Editor:
Re: BC Timber Sales to log land near Lynch Creek (story in June 6 issue of the Grand Forks Gazette)
Mr. Edney, I feel I must respond to your comments and our concerns regarding forestry development near Lynch Creek. Repeatedly we have brought our reasons to the attention of BCTS.
Our information is science-based and much of it comes from the government’s own directives to protect species at risk.
If there were truly “bunches of ungulates,” and “tons of wildlife,” we may not be having this discussion, as excessive road densities might not be beyond recommended levels, contraction and fragmentation of critical habitat also not an issue.
It does little to comfort me when you state, “I think there is some goat habitat on the north side.” Should that be considered a lot of planning?
I appreciate that significant time is spent reviewing regulations regarding the development of any forest development plans and we are not surprised.
Wildlife species and their habitats, particularly grizzly bears and mountain goats are considered by many, including the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources, to be fragile natural resources which call for special protective measures.
I agree that Grand Forks should consider forestry as an important economic stimulus, but according to the auditor general report, the ministry lacks clearly defined objectives.
The report concludes that the ministry doesn’t monitor effectively and that they haven’t invested in the public interest – it says that they have abandoned their public responsibility to manage the resource.
Not everyone will be happy about our intentions. However, I believe I can speak for many of the constituents of Grand Forks; we welcome a sustainable industry, one that measures the value of all resources.
A century ago, B.C.’s forests were viewed as an inexhaustible public resource.
More recently, the Forest Practices Board said: “We do not have confidence that the forests ministry can adequately describe the current condition of managed forest or track changes in its condition into the future.” Based on this information alone, perhaps you can understand our concerns.
Roy Schiesser, Grand Forks