This week the District of Sechelt submitted its community forest license application to the Ministry of Forests, over the objection of many citizens' groups and other municipal governments.
The major contentious issues seem to be the inclusion of the Chapman and Grey creeks watershed in the license, the lack of detailed information and not enough public consultation.
Everyone is on record that they like the concept of community forestry. But the details, including the location of the community forest, are crucial to its success.
This community has spent years fighting to protect the watershed from being logged. We're still in that fight now with another logging outfit. Does anyone remember the December meeting at the Seaside Centre with AJB Investments?
It's pretty clear that having local control of a community forest and the watershed will be far more beneficial in the long run than giving it up to some corporation, but when so many groups, who should be in fully support of this application are voicing such concerns, isn't it prudent to step back for a while and review your plans?
We did learn this week that the application submitted by DOS is considered a "draft application."
The final application is to be submitted at the end of 60 days.
We hope that the District of Sechelt has seen the opposition and will use these 60 days to have meaningful public debate and to hold meetings with the Sechelt Indian Band, Town of Gibsons and the Sunshine Coast Regional District. It's important to have true public consultation, not just in an attempt to put the public's fears to rest, but also to truly listen to community input.
A community forest license for the Sunshine Coast could leave a lasting legacy for many years to come. If properly designed, it will be welcomed with open arms.
If the existing public opposition continues or increases once the District of Sechelt reveals the full details of the plan, it might be wiser for the District of Sechelt to say "no thanks" to the offer of a community forest which includes the watershed, rather than attempt to ram through this community forest against the wishes of its neighbours.
