Editor:
I read with interest the several letters and advertisements of both proponents and critics of the harvesting of EW002, in the Nov. 9 issue of Coast Reporter.
Initially, when the Community Forest operator, Sechelt Community Projects Inc. (SCPI), proposed the harvest, the critics said the proposed harvest would do irreparable damage to the Wilson Creek watershed and that there was need for more study.
SCPI, at considerable expense, hired the most capable and unbiased consultant in the province, with 25-plus years of experience in this field, to do the study. The final study, in excruciating detail, was presented by the consultant to the public in an open meeting.
The results of the study concluded that, if SCPI harvested EW002 with their normal practices, there would be no adverse effects on the Wilson Creek watershed.
The critics at the meeting didn't like the factually based results and recommendations, so they said that more studies needed to be done.
The community would benefit significantly from the revenue and jobs created by this harvest.
Over the years of the community forest, surveys were done and scientifically show that the majority of the community supports the community forest and its operator.
It is long past time that the majority of the community's wishes should be supported and followed, and SCPI should get on with the harvest.
Len Pakulak,
Halfmoon Bay
