Editor:
This past week I was walking along a trail close to the power lines in Pender Harbour when I came across a Notice of Herbicide Use sign put up by BC Hydro on June 4. It stated: “Individual stems of deciduous trees in the area have been treated with herbicide to prevent regrowth. Avoid contact with treated vegetation until herbicide has dried. We recommend avoiding contact with treated vegetation for 24 hours after application. Stay on established paths and roadways.” At the bottom of the sign was written, “Do not remove sign till June 18, 2014.”
I couldn’t help but wonder if the barred owl, the bear, the deer and the nesting robins that I saw on that same day managed to avoid contact with the treated vegetation and had stayed on the established paths. I know for a fact that the bear didn’t because when he saw me, he ran off into the woods.
I’m left wondering why on earth BC Hydro would spray pesticides instead of simply cutting back the offending vegetation once in awhile. It would be great if they could restrain themselves until after birds are finished nesting though. They always seem to wait until spring to start their cutting, chipping and spraying.
Peggy Collins, Madeira Park
