Echo Lake may be on its way to becoming a much busier place as Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) considers a Black Tusk Helicopter year-round backcountry cabin and heli-recreation staging area, and the plan is not sitting well with one local wildlife advocate.
"When we grow out in Squamish, we really don't have anything in place for wildlife corridors and passage," said John Buchanan. "Always in the back of my mind, I think, wildlife does have this one last refuge and that's on the west side of the Squamish River where they can go about their business unimpeded by humans. It's a great natural barrier."
Black Tusk currently has a 20-year tenure in the area that would allow for a 1,200 square foot building, and includes the consideration of expansion.
The SLRD is reviewing rezoning and an official community plan amendment to allow a 1,587-square foot cabin to accommodate up to 10 people, an outhouse and a helipad 30 metres from the southeast corner of Echo Lake, leading Buchanan to voice his concerns in a letter to board members.
The SLRD board heard a proposal from Black Tusk at its December meeting and has asked staff to gather more information before beginning the process for the zoning amendments.
"I've reviewed a staff report on the matter and am of the opinion that we need a little more information so the board can be adequately informed for their debate," said Paul Edgington, SLRD chief administrative officer.
"We're in the process asking the applicant to give us some additional information - possibly some visual renderings similar to what's done in the logging industry to show how the visual quality will be impacted by what's being proposed."
The company had filed another proposal for a cabin within its commercial recreation tenure in the area but was rejected by the board because the proposal conflicted with the Sea to Sky Land Resource Management Plan (LRMP).
The SLRD staff report on the issue raises a number of concerns with the current proposal including potential impacts on wildlife in the Grizzly Bear Recovery Area and impacts on hikers' enjoyment of Echo Lake if it loses its wilderness appeal.
The report states the board does support the development of a cabin "in principle" but suggests Black Tusk consider other locations away from Echo Lake.
"Echo Lake is a rare public amenity that, as the population of Squamish grows, will be increasingly valued for its wilderness characteristics and should be left in its natural state," the report concludes.
Buchanan said he would rather see Black Tusk focus development on areas that have already seen significant of human traffic.
"I understand their need for business but there are other places they can build cabins like Lake Lovely Water that's already impacted a lot by people hiking in. They should be looking at areas that are already impacted and not impact more," he said.
His letter also pointed to the cultural value of the area, which may come under threat with expanded access.
"There are many spiritual areas on the west side that the Squamish Nation holds in high regard, an old graveyard, and a cave site that was an ancient camp for the First Nations people. The west side was also the training grounds for their men. These sites are extremely delicate and open to vandals if discovered," he stated.
The Squamish Nation has not yet provided comment, however if the board chooses to give the bylaw amendments first reading, the changes will go to four provincial ministries, Squamish Nation, Vancouver Coastal Health, the District of Squamish, Squamish Environmental Conservation Society and Squamish Trail Society for review and recommendations. Beyond that, any potential changes will be subject to a public hearing for input.
Edgington said he expects additional information for a staff report in time for the March board meeting.
