Letter to the Editor

We are trying to raise awareness about the imminent demise of the last remaining old growth cedars at 58km on the Duncan River Forest Service Road, in the West Kootenay.

Blue Ridge Land and Timber Management Ltd., (which took over from Meadow Ck. Cedar) has applied for a cutting permit for this small stand. Across the Duncan River at 59 km the remaining old growth is said to be on the BC Timber Sales agenda in 10 years.

These stands provide an essential connective corridor for the animals that use them, the last one on the lower Duncan River and we want to see this protected now!

There is a magical heritage trail with a beaver pond and the forest houses bear dens, owls and ungulates as well as mushrooms and lichens.

All too often the animals have had to pay the price by losing their homes and shelter in favour of timber harvesting. We have watched entire valleys wiped out, seen game and wildlife vanish and say ‘enough is enough.’

There used to be trees that you could put two horses head to tail and not see them on the other side, that three could shelter under and stay dry. They are gone. It was distressing to observe such destruction. The game simply disappeared. The mineral licks that were black with tracks are now green from disuse. Such tragedy!

Our petition is at Change.org under “BCTimber Sales Stop logging Old Growth.” We are also on Facebook under ‘Duncan Defenders’ – if you want pictures and videos.

We are hoping for a sensible solution using public opinion and need the voices of all those similarly concerned to stand with us. It seems that old growth all over BC is increasingly endangered by those seeking short-term profits. These trees are in our backyard and we have to start somewhere.

Public opinion in our favour is a start. The Earth is in trouble. This old growth is vital in so many ways. It needs to be honoured by those who care. Please help us and sign our petition.

Gabriela and Mick Grabowsky,

Kaslo

Article Share