It's been a year since property owners shocked recreationalists by clear cutting a swath of forest along the Upper Malamute in contravention of the district's site alteration bylaw - and a settlement is still being worked out.Mayor Ian Sutherland said the district has opted to resolve the issue out of court, which will save taxpayer dollars and result in a "very significant" settlement."Avoiding court is good for taxpayers, good for us and good for them," he said.The land, then owned by Malamute Holdings, was left noticeably scarred and treacherous for trail users after approximately 1,413 trees were taken down in an area very popular with rock climbers last March. With penalties between $1,000 and $10,000 per tree, the company appeared to be liable for anywhere from $1,413,000 to $14,130,000.Sutherland said the district is now trying to find a solution that "works for us and works for them." However, he did stress the penalty would be heavy enough to send a strong message to the community."The people of Squamish will understand it's not something we allowit lets them know we're serious about it."The final figure will be made public once an agreement between the district and Malamute Holdings is reached. At the time of the incident, the company was operated by April Turner and Steve Miles, who, along with April's husband Paul Turner, also operated the company that undertook the tree removal, CRB Logging. Turner and Miles did not answer questions from the Chief by press time.Some steps have been taken to restore the property. The fallen trees were removed last July and new trees have since been planted on the land, according to Sutherland. Squamish Access Society president Tyrone Brett said climbers can once again access the site. However, he noted the lengthy wait for a resolution has been frustrating. "The illegal logging left an awfully bitter taste, but we feel and have communicated as much that the opportunity exists for a win-win solution for all parties so we urge those with the power to do so to seize the day and move things along," he said.
