Editor:
In the article that appeared in the Nov. 24 paper, “ELF makes pitch to put EW28 logging on hold,” we feel that this is a rational response that the broader community is seeking. Sunshine Coast Community Forest (SCCF) has three cutblocks in the current tender package. The logging of just two blocks could take a contractor up to 1.5 years, leaving EW28 (the Chanterelle Forest) standing so the new NDP-Green government has more time to consider the option of expanding the Mt. Elphinstone Provincial Park to include large portions of this forest in a protected area.
But when SCCF president Glen Bonderud was recently asked by Sechelt Mayor Bruce Milne which Wilson Creek cutblock they would start first, Bonderud said their preference would be “the Chanterelle” – as if to rub it in. It’s very clear from that reply that SCCF has no appetite to place any community input into their logging operation that doesn’t meet their agenda. A simple delay in logging the Chanterelle Forest for up to a year will give the new provincial government time to consider the Mt. Elphinstone Park expansion proposal. SCCF has stated before that they would support whatever directives given from provincial authorities; however, they’re not operating in good faith if they don’t issue a delay.
As the map published in last week’s paper shows, an expanded protected area includes the west side of Wilson Creek overlapping EW28 by a large percentage. We still hope that District of Sechelt will intervene in this situation and see the logic of having EW28 considered last in the logging schedule, allowing their counterparts in Victoria ample time to discuss park expansion. We also extend hope that the shíshálh Indian Band Council will see the importance of a delay, and by doing so, support many of the elders who have expressed an interest in this forest.
Ross Muirhead, Elphinstone Logging Focus
