Two trespass notices have been issued to local residents ordering them to vacate cabins built on the slopes of Mount Elphinstone.
Elphinstone Logging Focus (ELF) members Hans Penner and Ross Muirhead and forestry activist Penny Lalo Singh were given orders by the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations to dismantle their structures by March 7 or face fines of up to $20,000.
In a statement received by Coast Reporter, Singh was quoted as saying she intended to remain at her encampment, despite the order.
"I fought very hard, and often very alone, to stop logging in this area," it reads, with the claim that the campsite was established 12 years ago. "I established a small camp back then and since that time, it has simply been a place where I have returned to for peace of mind, to meditate and to enjoy Mother Nature."
Singh last contacted Coast Reporter on March 6 to say she would pursue a legal response to any fines given to her, adding she felt the Ministry's actions to be unjustified.
She had previously declared her intent to invite members of the community to her encampment at the end of the Roberts Flume forest service road on March 7, the deadline to remove herself and her belongings.
While a written statement read "she is not moving from nor dismantling" her campsite, a footnote on the document said she intended to stay until March 7.
Singh could not be reached for further comment.
The trespass notice was made under Section 59 of the Land Act and states that Singh was found in contravention of the Act due to "occupation of Crown land with wooden platforms, tarps, school bus, water diversion equipment, stoves, fridges, garbage and other materials previously or currently used for residential purposes."
The Ministry said that enforcement staff would visit the site March 7 to confirm the materials had been removed.
The costs of removal or destruction of any violating improvements or waste could fall upon those named in the order.
Beyond the maximum $20,000 penalty, a term of imprisonment of up to 60 days is also possible under the Land Act.
A second structure in the area was built by ELF and various community members in anticipation of the sale of BC Timber Sales cutblock A87124, which was announced Feb. 29.
Penner and Muirhead disputed the trespass notice, and Muirhead said he had secured a two-week extension while their appeal is considered.
According to Muirhead, the aim of the appeal is to have the small cabin set aside for hikers as a shelter should they require it while walking the trail networks.
