NEWS RELEASE

August 11, 1987

Freedom of Ogopogo Guaranteed

Ogopogo is a "Nature Treasure" belonging to all who live in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. His home is in the depths of 79 mile long Okanagan Lake.

Ogopogo does not belong to any one individual, city or town. He is not something to be exploited. Ogopogo is a free creature living in our minds and in the minds of tourists who come from far and wide to enjoy the beauty of this part of the world and to share the vision of Ogopogo.

In the mid 1950's, at a time when the freedom of Ogopogo appeared to be threatened, the literary and artistic copyright of Ogopogo was taken out by myself to ensure that Ogopogo belongs to all of us. Thus, Ogopogo's freedom is guaranteed. This copyright continues for 50 years after my death. The copyright now rests in the tender care of the City of Vernon who have assumed the responsibility of ensuring Ogopogo's continuing right to freedom.

Lovable Ogopogo truly belongs to every man, woman and child in the Okanagan Valley. This copyright guarantees his remaining their property. Ogopogo is indeed a friendly and free creature appearing on occasion before our very eyes and always remaining a mysterious and pleasant thought in the back roads of our mind.

A. G. (Gil) Seabrook