The environmental and ideological war named Jumbo is entering another lively phase as monitoring camps have been established in the Farnham and Jumbo drainages by members of Jumbo Wild.

After call for volunteers August 15, the camps are now up and running with the purpose of observing work activities of Jumbo Glacier Resort Ltd. as it races to try and meet an Oct. 12 deadline to build “substantial” infrastructure at the proposed ski resort site 55 km west of Invermere.

“The purpose of the Jumbo Wild Citizens’ Monitoring Camp is to prevent development of Jumbo Glacier Resort in both the Farnham and Jumbo drainages via an ongoing monitoring and reporting process. Any violation to the regulations set by the Master Development Agreement, the Environment Assessment Certificate, WorkSafeBC, or any other pertinent regulatory agency will be reported to that agency so that the appropriate legal action can be taken,” Jumbo Wild noted in its invite for monitors.

Jumbo Wild outlined rules for people in the monitoring camps, with the threat of another possible blockade.

“If heavy machinery or construction work is detected, do not obstruct passage. Rather, take photos and promptly phone a Jumbo Wild contact who can report violations, help document infractions or increase camp staffing.”

“If the relevant regulatory agency fails to respond to our report of violations of commitments within a few days, we may be forced to halt access to the site. The decision to do so would be made by those present at the camp, after confirmation that a violation has been reported, and after failure of the appropriate agency to stop work until such violation has been rectified, keeping in mind the greater collective goal of keeping Jumbo wild. All campers who do not accept this protocol may be asked to leave,” the missive to Jumbo Wild members noted.

Jumbo Wild also outlined ‘camp protocol.’

1. Volunteers can come for the day or camp for a few days. Considering the environmental factors of traveling to the site and the reality that heavy machinery generally starts early in the morning, it would be ideal to camp for a few days.

2. To avoid the camp from becoming a demanding task for organizers, campers need to be self-sufficient in camping gear, food, warm mountain clothing and transportation.

3. For safety reasons, all day and overnight volunteers should sign in and out of the volunteer logbook and there should always be more than one camper at the site.

4. It is vital that volunteers monitor all activities, including recreational, by providing descriptive text, date, and time. Please take photos whenever possible. If the situation arises, volunteers are encouraged to inform recreational visitors about the reasons for our presence: to monitor resort development related activities and ensure that the proper regulations are followed.

5. Volunteers will act in a respectful manner towards other volunteers, visitors to the area, workers and the RCMP.

6. Pets are allowed, but must be in control at all times.

7. Campers are encouraged to observe the standard campground etiquette by helping keep the camp clean, packing out all garbage and extra food, and showing consideration for the rights of others.

Meanwhile, some work has begun along the Jumbo Forest Service Road, with a key bridge currently being installed.

Lead image: Keeping Jumbo Wild for decades and helping to establish the citizens monitoring camp August 20 up the Jumbo Valley, Jumbo Wild saluted (from left) Nolan Rad, Jim Galloway and Bob Campsall in a social media post. Photo by Pat Morrow

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