Respond to the BCTS' NOVEMBER 2021 Consultation

Between now and November 19, share your feedback with BC Timber Sales (BCTS) about:

• Your recreational use of the mountain (how you use the whole mountain)
• Your recreational values on the mountain (what matters to you about the mountain – the views, the access to an intact forest, the biodiversity, the access to a calm, cool respite close to town, the scenic values)
• Your opinions about the proposed Amendment and Results and Strategies

We’ve tried to make it easier to respond by preparing a template. It is already addressed and refers to the consultation process.  It uses the terms from the Objectives so that your comments and feedback relate to the specific legal requirements of this proposed Amendment. Importantly, it focuses on recreation values not just access to a trail. Recreation values are more than just how we use the mountain - but also what we get out of our recreation. It is important that we refer to the personal values that come from being in the wildnerness, in an intact, diverse forest with access to undisturbed vistas. 

You can read BCTS' plan here:

Link to BCTS's proposed Amendment and Results and Strategies

Link to map of BCTS' draft Zones

COMMON QUESTIONS:

The Template doesn't talk about water quality, fire risks or biodiversity. Why not?

The current BCTS consultation is only about the changes to the Forest Stewardship Plan  to reflect the Objectives of the Sensitive Area Order. That means right now, we are only talking about our recreational values on the mountain. Values are more than just how we use the mountain - but also what we get out of our recreation. It is important that we refer to the personal values that come from being in the wildnerness, in an intact, diverse forest with access to undisturbed vistas. 

Once the Amendment is approved, BCTS can make a new harvesting plan. At that point we need to make sure that other issues like slope stability, aquifers and water quality, logging safety practices etc are prioritized. This round of consultation is just about whether the Strategies and Results comply with the protection of the public's paramount recreational rights.

What if they don't listen to us?

If an unlawful Amendment is approved, there are legal avenues to again challenge the lawfulness of the Forest Stewardship Plan and any harvest plans that result.

The proposed Amendment doesn't show where they want to log - why not?

That is because this is the first step in fixing the unlawful Forest Stewardship Plan.  New harvest plans will be developed based on the Amendment, if it is approved. Those new plans will also have to be shared for public comment in the future. 

Right now, we have the chance to make sure that the Forest Stewardship Plan is based on our actual recreational use and values by making sure that BCTS hears about all of the ways that we rely on Rose Swanson.