Private logging has been an issue throughout the Kootenay region and Wildsight feels its time the Province listen to those asking for change. The environmental organization is echoing support for two resolutions recently passed at the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) convention in Whistler. The resolutions look to have private land come under the same regulations as Crown land.
Conservation Coordinator Eddie Petryshen highlights some of the issues they hope to address if private logging was regulated. “Riparian areas and streams where the standards aren’t nearly as strong as on Crown land. And they’re not perfect on Crown land by any means, but on private land they’re very, very weak.”
Wildsight feels the transition zones between land and water are sensitive and easily disturbed and critical in preventing erosion and keeping streams healthy.
Another issue Petryshen highlights is the short term management strategy. “The way that private land and forests are being managed and liquidated, so there’s not a lot of mature timber being left in those private forests, so there’s this culture of strip it and flip it.”
He also hopes to see more of the general public get involved. “I think, you know, it’s up to people as well, just to acknowledge because whether you’re in Creston, or in Fernie, or in Nelson, we’re all seeing those impacts. You can just look at that new cut block above Wyndell in Creston.”
For more information, you can visit Wildsight’s website.
