Critics of proposed logging at District Lot 1313 in Area E are seeking support from the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) and other levels of government to prevent BC Timber Sales from following through on the scheduling of the block for auction in January.
Ross Muirhead of Elphinstone Logging Focus and Gayle Neilson of the Elphinstone Community Association were both scheduled to appear as delegations at the Nov. 22 SCRD board meeting.
In his submitted letter, Muirhead said the forest “has natural values far in excess of any possible commercial value if logged,” including potential for wildlife viewing, recreational and educational opportunities. Additionally, he said it provides “important hydrological benefit to the area E residents downstream who depend on well water and has been identified as a watershed reserve.”
The area is also designated as a park in the Elphinstone Official Community Plan.
In the letter, Muirhead asked whether the SCRD was in contact with BCTS, since a woodland supervisor from BCTS had mentioned in a letter dated Oct. 29 that the SCRD was “given a chance to contact them about this block” prior to the schedule.
Muirhead’s letter also requested that the SCRD “immediately write to the Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources and the Ministry of the Environment, copy to BC Timber Sales, to intervene and advocate for its protection.”
The community association's letter included concerns from adjacent residents about the impact of logging on the drinking water supply, and the potential for flooding and mudslides. It also raised concerns about the fire hazard of slash piles, “especially since there are no pressurized water [hydrants] in the area."
On Sunday, Nov. 18, residents gathered at the colloquially-named Reed Road Forest to protest the auction date. According to a letter copied to Coast Reporter by residents Hermann and Susanne Ziltener, “over 50 people showed up, not just taking part in the photo-op but also discussing how important this forest is to our neighbourhood and the various options we must consider to protect the forest from destruction and preserve it for future generations.”
