The resumption of logging on private managed forest lots in Sandy Hook, and the renewed community concern, has prompted the District of Sechelt to clarify where it fits into the picture.
Late last month the logging was halted on the land near Seaview, Skookumchuck, and Mt. Richardson roads, now known as Managed Forest 503, at the request of the shíshálh Nation, because the land was converted to private managed forest without undergoing the proper referrals to see if shíshálh Nation traditional rights and title would be affected.
In a release circulated Feb. 9, district officials point out the municipality has no legal authority over the land in question now that it’s classified as private managed forest.
The district also confirms that 160 trees were cut on the property in 2016, in violation of municipal regulations leading to bylaw charges that “are now in litigation,” according to the district.
The release also says the reclassification from municipal lot to private managed forest occurred without any consultation with Sechelt.
“The district no longer has any authority in this matter and all control over the land falls with the Private Managed Forest Council, a corporation appointed by the Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development to uphold the Private Managed Forest Land Act,” the release said.
The district also says reclassification of the property and the resulting drop in assessed value meant a loss of $8,782 in tax revenue to Sechelt.
“We share the concerns of our Sandy Hook citizens regarding the possible impacts on their properties and district infrastructure should the land be compromised as a result of the logging. We also have concerns about the safety of our citizens during the logging process due to increased vehicle traffic and the potential for mud slides,” Mayor Bruce Milne said.
The district’s release says it will continue to press the Managed Forest Council (MFC), the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development and MLA Nicholas Simons to address the community’s concerns.
In correspondence to the Sandy Hook Community Association, copied to Coast Reporter, the MFC noted that as a newly established forest, Managed Forest 503 is slated for inspection this year to ensure compliance with the Private Managed Forest Land Act.
The Association has now filed a formal complaint with the council.
