Editor:
This opinion letter is to voice my protest against the imminent clearcutting of the “TA0521” section of forest above Roberts Creek. The local residents would be remiss if they didn’t question the impartiality of the hydrology assessment commissioned by BCTS in preparation of this clearcutting; any such hydrology assessment should be provided by arms-length entities acting independently.
We are here in the presence of a low-elevation forest, which slopes down to residential properties. Since it serves as a water protection basin for the adjacent area, it stands to reason that the precautionary principle should prevail and said forest should be left intact. Not to mention the carbon sink and biodiversity functions it serves in a context of dire climate and ecological crisis and recurrent episodes of local droughts increasing in severity. As a regular user of the hiking trails on the lower Sunshine Coast forested areas I am keenly aware - indeed alarmed - at the destruction currently being endured by our precious local forests. It is time to put a stop to the shameful practice that is clearcutting. It is short-sighted, unsustainable and, frankly, barbaric.
Paulette Caillé, Sechelt
