VOICES OF CONCERNED CITIZENS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Concerned citizens of Pass Creek, Robson and Raspberry have united in a campaign to protect our watersheds from road building and logging, and to preserve our scenic and wildlife corridor. 

Rialto Creek/Ladybird mountain area provides domestic drinking and agricultural water to approximately 2000 users along the base of the mountain. 

Immediate concerns include: 

• Water quality
• Installation of a gate to protect watersheds and wildlife corridors from recreational vehicles (a similar practice in jurisdictions across the province)
• Changes to view scape in the Pass Creek Valley
• Self regulatory logging practices introduced by government 

As citizens of BC we have a right to the sustainable use of forests - outlined in the Forest Practice Code of BC Act: 

WHEREAS British Columbians desire sustainable use of the forests they hold in trust for future generations;

AND WHEREAS sustainable use includes

(a) managing forests to meet present needs without compromising the needs of future generations,

(b) providing stewardship of forests based on an ethic of respect for the land,

 (c) balancing economic, productive, spiritual, ecological and recreational values of forests to meet the economic, social and cultural needs of peoples and communities, including First Nations,

(d) conserving biological diversity, soil, water, fish, wildlife, scenic diversity and other forest resources, and

(e) restoring damaged ecologies.

Recently, citizens participated in an onsite field review with Kalesnikoff Lumber Company (KLC) to understand the impacts of the proposed logging over the next 4-6 years. While the field visit provided additional information on road building and cut blocks, it did not adequately address citizen's concerns for watershed protection. A request by KLC and individual citizens for a gate was denied by the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Operations. 

We understand that logging takes place in all of our valleys but we believe citizens have the right to be consulted and included in decisions that affect our watersheds and our environments.

We request the following:

• sufficient buffer zones along creeks and property boundaries to protect water sources from blow downs,
• a gate to limit access from recreational vehicles to ensure water quality and protection of wildlife and habitats,
• accurate and approved maps,
• environmentally sound logging practices, 
• limited changes to view scape, and
• on-going consultation.

Please join in on our efforts to ensure protection of Pass Creek watersheds. For more information please email passcreekvalley@gmail.com.