Our Forests, Our Future: What does it mean for Sooke and the South Island?
Staff in forestry were so horrified last week they leaked a memo that said Cabinet could create special legislation to prevent the province’s chief forester from refusing permission or taking them to court if politicians allow logging of forest reserves, scenic setbacks and wildlife corridors in the Interior.
Failure to diversify the economy or to manage the timber supply led to this bizarre plan which would sacrifice more of our future for short term, limited preservation of jobs.
Bruce Fraser, former chair of British Columbia’s independent Forest Practices Board said, if Cabinet goes there, politicians have reached “the burn the furniture stage.”
The “Our Forests, Our Future” forums taking place on May 1 at Edward Milne Community School and May 3 at the Ambrosia Events Centre are exactly intended for people from Port Renfrew, from the Sooke Region and from Greater Victoria to learn what’s going on with our forests. It is for us to talk about diversifying our economy and keeping what we value. A forest is more than a potential field of stumps.
Although it may be where you pay least attention, you have the most strength to create change at the local government level. With good information we can properly identify local problems and offer practical solutions. We can also identify what needs changing at the provincial level, and ask for the changes.
Heather Phillips
Otter Point