Letters: SCRD should pursue land transfer option

Editor: 

The Reed Rd Forest (DL 1313) issue was again covered in your Feb. 25 edition – a story going back to 2013. Our organization’s (ELF) position is that BC Timber Sales (BCTS) is forcing the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) to jump through unnecessary hoops to secure this forest from being logged when they could cancel this block and leave it in its current natural intact condition.  

That being said, BCTS did inform SCRD staff to proceed through the “appropriate agency” to secure 1313 via a “land transfer.” We filed a Freedom of Information (FOI) on this subject and an email from BCTS to the Squamish Nation Rights & Title Department reads: “The area, known as Reed Rd. was developed several years ago by BCTS. The Sunshine Coast Regional District made us aware that they were proposing a park in this area. We have asked them to pursue a Land Transfer through the appropriate provincial agency. 

“We have been in a holding pattern for several years while we waited to hear back from them. But I expect a progress update from them in the next couple of weeks as I understand they have set wheels in motion to negotiate purchase or transfer the land. If they elect not to transfer the land and establish a park, we may auction the cutblock in January or February of 2018 as identified on last year’s map.” Adam Hockin, RPF, BCTS Oct. 2, 2017. 

As stated, BCTS urged SCRD to apply for a “land transfer” to obtain jurisdiction over DL 1313 and the same urging came from Nicholas Simons, MLA in a November memo to RD Staff. The paper’s headline reads “SCRD seeks ‘stopgap measure’ to protect DL 1313”. We wonder why the SCRD does not move directly to the “land transfer” option as recommended?  

Consultations with Squamish Nation are important and so is taking leadership when an opportunity presents itself. If this situation doesn’t resolve itself by January 2024, BCTS will proceed to a timber sale. 

Ross Muirhead 
ELF: Forest Campaigner