Re: 鈥淓co-activists urge halt to logging plans near Juan de Fuca park,鈥� April聽19.
In September 2011, three days of public hearings ended a multi-year fight to stop the development of a massive (at that time larger than Port Renfrew) vacation-home complex above the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail and Park. The panel concluded that the best use of the land in question was to add it to the vulnerable park.
The seven blocks in 2011 are in private hands, and zoning permits logging. The trees on those blocks were second growth and have been cut again since 2011. Unfortunately, the resulting cuts have degraded the wilderness feeling and increased the vulnerability of the trail. It presents a real and bleak picture of current West Coast forest practices.
The seven blocks of land currently up for auction in the Port Renfrew area are a different kettle of fish. These are provincial land belonging to the people of British Columbia. They contain old growth and two buffer the trail and park. All provide a mature ecosystem in an area stripped by logging.
Since 2011, tourism development has exploded in Port Renfrew (where it should be located). Big trees have become an increasingly important international tourist draw. The trail and park are attracting increasing numbers and showing the stress. Fish stocks are in trouble and sport fishing is facing restrictions. Tourism and recreation need protection.
For the provincial government through sa国际传媒 Timber Sales to auction off seven more blocks of public land around Port Renfrew is insanity. This auction should not take place.
Rosemary Jorna
Otter Point
