Editor:

A private invitation as a “Wilson Creek stakeholder” prompted my attendance at the Monday, Aug. 27 meeting held by Sechelt Community Projects Inc. regarding the Sunshine Coast Community Forest.

A small gathering listened to a two-hour verbal and PowerPoint hydrology report by geo-engineer Glynnis Horel, the science behind the obvious intention of SCPI/SCCF to cut an area in the Wilson Creek watershed, previously unlogged and home to 450-year-old trees, left standing after a fire in the 1800s.

When questioned re this “elder forest,” the SCPI/SCCF said they would mark and not log the older trees.  To destroy the web of connection these trees enjoy is to disrespect the very web of connection that supports life. It’s like removing the customs, family members and resources of an individual and expecting him to continue to flourish. Hmmm, this sounds familiar.

This rare stand of trees is in the care of all residents of the Sunshine Coast, not a few “stakeholders.” Water and fish matter, and so does the soul of a community. These “elders” are a legacy worth protecting for our future children. May our grandchildren not feel the same about us as we do of these senior members of our bio-community.

In their 2011 annual report, I read the SCCF relocated to “smaller, less expensive facilities” and “built better relationships” in the community after a direct financial loss caused by the delay of this cut. A pause offers profit of a different nature.

Narrow perception that focuses on financial profit of our forestry management team is a place for deep inquiry. When the soul is left out of science we experience losses too great to measure for the future of our community, children and world.

I look forward to a public call to meet to broaden the conversation.

Penny Allport

Wilson Creek