Editor:
Again we are presented with a proposal to change the Official Community Plan in Gibsons. This time the proposal is to allow or continue to allow civic development in the one area in the town where people can step into the forest and enjoy nature.
I enjoy seeing dads and moms with their little ones, people commuting from upper to lower Gibsons, and tourists enjoying the fresh Pacific Northwest air close to their accommodations.
In an era marked by rapid urbanization and population growth, the debate between developing land for housing and preserving natural spaces has become increasingly significant.
This natural area, easily accessible to everyone, serves as a vital asset for environmental health, public well-being, and community resilience, making their preservation a prudent choice over development.
Economically, maintaining this forest can be more beneficial in the long term than development.
Natural areas attract eco-tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, supporting our local economies without the environmental costs associated with construction and urban sprawl.
Furthermore, forests help mitigate flooding and erosion, reducing infrastructure damage and associated costs.
Keeping public use forest intact is a decision rooted in the recognition of its myriad benefits, the long-term advantages of conserving natural spaces far outweigh the temporary gains of construction.
By prioritizing the preservation of this public forest, we invest in a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.
A worthy legacy.
Bruce Grebeldinger
Gibsons
