Editor,
Several times the Squamish River Watershed Society has met with representatives from Anthem Properties (along with the Squamish Trails Society, Squamish Streamkeepers and the Squamish Environmental Conservation Society) to discuss the vegetation management along the District of Squamish and Ministry of Transportation owned lands adjacent to Anthem Properties.
It is the concern of the Squamish River Watershed Society that all too often we disregard the importance of our native vegetation in favour of allowing developers to basically profit from our public amenities (i.e. it is our understanding that Anthem Properties desires to remove large sections of the woodlot along Highway 99 to establish what they consider visibility of their establishment from the highway).
The Corridor Trail was established well before Anthem Properties purchased or developed their lands and they were aware of the native vegetation that existed between their property and Highway 99 before they submitted plans for a development permit.
We would strongly urge the decision makers, while there remains time to make a decision, to take all measures to preserve a continuous treed corridor along this stretch of the Corridor Trail.
If Anthem Properties desires visibility of their hotel from the highway then we would strongly encourage the District of Squamish to explore signage opportunities, which would better serve the average driver with directions to the establishment as well.
The existing vegetation along the corridor, consisting of trees, shrubs, and grass layers in several year classes, provides important habitat to migratory birds as well as providing shade and cover along the trail throughout the year.
We have compromised the trails in this town for far too long to allow this practice to continue. An opportunity exists right now for the District of Squamish to take the correct path and encourage an opportunity for developers to work with the existing amenities (whether it be forested lands, waterways, or wetlands) and enhance their establishments while preserving the trails that make Squamish such a desirable destination and place to reside.
Please put the needs of the residents and the community first. On a final note, it is all too often that the removal of native vegetation results in opening up areas to invasive species or the requirement of long term maintenance, both of which would end up costing the tax payer significantly.
Please take this into consideration as well when making final decisions.
Edith B. Tobe, Executive Director
Squamish River Watershed Society
