Qualicum Community Hall
Corner of Memorial and First Avenue, near the rail crossing (please note the event is not at the Civic Centre)
Qualicum Beach, BC
I am excited to be speaking at this event. This is the information I have received from Berni Pearce, the organizer:
"We thank you for your continued support of APLUC and the endorsements you have granted us in the past. Now we need you again -- to throw your weight behind saving the almost extinct Coastal Douglas-fir forest ecosystem (CDFmm), including DL 33 and other Crown land fragments, as well as the last remaining parcels o...f privately-owned mature CDF such as that under threat of development at the Nanoose Lakes.
We have received notice that the Ministry of Environment and the Forest Practices Board are holding a workshop in Qualicum on Friday, March 25, 9:00 am to 12:00 Noon, at the old Qualicum Community Hall -- entitled the 'Coastal Douglas Fir Stewards Workshop'. (See attached document for information purposes only - registration deadline has passed.)
In light of the dire situation for the CDF, we have decided to demonstrate our stewardship of the CDF by inviting the well-known defender of forests, Betty Krawczyk, to participate at the workshop and speak to many of us gathered out front. Apparently attendance is limited to pre-registered persons only. Betty has registered and we hope she will be permitted to attend. She will definitely be speaking outside as well -- and that's where you come in.
If you can, please come down at 8:30 am to greet Betty and then stay around until the coffee break around 10:00, when Betty will come out and address us. There will be speeches from others as well. Take note, the Workshop is not at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre. It is taking place in the old Qualicum Community Hall, corner of Memorial Avenue and First Avenue, at the railway crossing.
It is a sad irony that the agencies which have the power and responsibility -- and have ignored the problem for so long -- now want to "encourage shared stewardship". These are the same agencies to whom we and others, including Nature BC, have been writing and pleading for years, in some cases for over a decade -- to no avail. Despite everything, the Coastal Douglas-fir forest is in more danger than ever -- at high risk for extinction -- while mature Crown land CDF forests are being logged off.
Since our last update, we have toured another piece of CDF Crown land forest which the Forest Service has apparently made available for logging. It is part of Lot 117 (also sometimes referred to as Lot 113), located east of DL 33. It is as rare and remarkable as DL 33 and equally deserves protection. However, both parcels are 'on the market' and DL 33 has already had a cutting permit authorized. The proponent may proceed at any time.
Yes, 8:30 am is pretty early, but we're hoping you will roll out a bit earlier than is perhaps your usual routine -- to celebrate environmental unity and to meet Betty. Betty often describes herself as the grandmother who stands up for the environment! This is a great opportunity for we grandmothers and grandfathers, moms and dads, brothers, sisters, and indeed everyone, to show our support for her and for CDF conservation.
Please bring your organizational banners and signs. We plan to have coffee available for you when you come. And we hope you can hang around for awhile.
In the afternoon, the WCWC and APLUC will take Betty and all comers on a quickie tour of endangered mature CDF forests in our area, starting with Lot 10 in Qualicum, where Island Timberlands is threatening to cut the trees if the City does not buy the timber rights from them.
Everyone is welcome to attend the tour! Meet at the Qualicum Community Hall, Memorial and First Ave., at 1:00 pm -- wear sturdy footwear, bring water and a snack.
Hope to see your banner and all your members on Friday, March 25th.
Thanks so much for your ongoing support.
Best regards,
Berni Pearce, on behalf of
Arrowsmith Parks and Land-Use Council (APLUC)"
Hope to see you there!
- Betty K
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