Editor:
Re: Letters “Future in concrete?” by David Kipling (March 30) and “Once there was a forest” by Ross Muirhead (March 23).
In the March 2 edition of Coast Reporter, the Community Forest published their findings of regeneration in the East Wilson EW002, and Mr. Kipling’s comments echo our findings – open areas do bring in other plants for browsing and are beneficial for the wildlife. Also, the area has been replanted as are all the areas the Community Forest has logged; that is the law. It is not a tree farm, as Mr. Muirhead’s comment would lead us to believe. Also, the seeds are not “genetically adapted,” since by law they cannot be genetically modified. The harvested areas are replanted with nursery seeds from “plus trees” showing superior traits, and with species that are best suited for the climatic zonal characteristics. It is Mendel’s genetics at work. Please see sccf.ca/forest-stewardship/wildlife-information for comments on wildlife in our area.
ELF has lobbied for no “old growth” logging, and now they do not want the 60 to 100-year “almost mature” stands harvested either. That leaves no harvesting at all, or do we log only immature stands? I think not. ELF’s single-minded approach leaves no thought as to the effect on the families in the community who depend on the work.
As to Ross’s comment about “not investing one cent into the site,” I am not sure what that means. Considerable money has been spent on trails, water, fish and wildlife studies. The money made from our harvesting goes into our SCCF Legacy Fund via dividends to the District of Sechelt. Those monies have helped organizations up and down the Lower Coast and will continue to help them in the years to come.
Glen Bonderud, Chair, Sunshine Coast Community Forest
