The following letter was sent to District of Sechelt council and copied to Coast Reporter.
In the Oct. 12 Coast Reporter, it's noted that Coun. Doug Hockley queried why he was seeing concern for logging EW002 raised by Roberts Creek residents.
While I am a resident of Wilson Creek, I consider myself a member of the Sunshine Coast community. In fact, I consider myself part of many Coast communities, whether it be in association with outdoor activities, literary and fine arts, music or any of a wide variety of activities and interests.
If Cliff Gilker Park was threatened by development, you better believe I would be a vocal opponent. When Davis Bay highway construction was almost approved ahead of a much needed Selma Park highway upgrade for pedestrian and cyclist safety, I registered my opposition and was in good company with many Coast citizens, not just Davis Bay residents or highway drivers - it was a broader community concern.
I am against the proposed old growth logging of the Wilson Creek area. Proposed logging here will destroy the ecosystem, impact our water supply, cause degradation of streams and fish stock and have a negative impact on our growing outdoor tourism industry. This area is becoming more popular as a destination for birders, hikers and mountain-bikers, a community of people who enjoy outdoor recreation and value our natural environment.
I urge council to consider a broader vision for land use planning for this magnificent area; it has a stewardship responsibility. While the District of Sechelt may be the sole shareholder of the Sunshine Coast Community Forest, if they truly live up to their name and their mandate "to profitably manage in a sustainable, effective and environmentally sensitive manner with broad community participation and support," they will not confine themselves to a village silo or economic development mentality.
Julie Davidson, Wilson Creek
