Letter to the Editor

I am writing to express my concern for the fate of B.C.’s remaining old growth forests, including the globally rare and at-risk Inland Temperate Rainforest.  Most of this endangered forest is still not protected, and thus all creatures who dwell therein are equally unprotected.

The Valhalla Wilderness Society, recognized for its decades of in-depth scientific research into these moist, rich ecosystems with their huge ancient trees, trees as old as 1,200 years, is putting forth a plan to protect the remaining intact Inland Temperate Rainforests through its three park proposals:

the Rainbow-Jordan Wilderness proposal;

the Selkirk Mountains Ancient Forest Park proposal;

and the Quesnel Lake Wilderness proposal.

This protection is crucial for the survival of these rare temperate rainforests.

David Eby, you are undoubtedly well informed as to the many scientific reasons for protecting more forest, especially old growth forests —  carbon storage, climate change mitigation, survival of endangered species such as Mountain Caribou, the list goes on — so I don’t need to go into the details.  And you must know that all of us are dependent on how we take care of our environment.

Importantly, only the BC Park Act and the BC Protected Areas Act can provide secure protection to preserve forest for future generations.

Please adopt and implement the VWS park proposals as quickly as possible.  Time is of the essence.

My husband Walter Latter joins me in pressing you to take action now.

Show your love for these ancient forests and all the creatures whose home it is, and your concern for the wellbeing of all of us.

Carol Latter,

Kimberley

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