I was disappointed to read Ben Lypka’s July 2 column, “Helping parks live long and prosper” in response to the climbing community’s concerns about filming Star Trek in the Stawamus Chief Provincial Park.
Mr. Lypka wrote: “So when film companies want to spend money to do their thing, it should be celebrated, not scolded like a small group of locals did last week.” Mr. Lypka goes on to dismiss climbers’ complaints.
There are legitimate reasons why many climbers were troubled by film production in the park. Among those:
• BC Parks continues to grant film production permits without the opportunity for public review and comment. The most recent production is not the first time film companies have caused a stir in the park. Some years ago, a film crew actually glued props onto boulders and closed areas to recreation. Many problems could be avoided with public participation.
• The Star Trek film company removed some snags – standing dead trees – from the park to accommodate rigging. Snags are some of the forest’s most important biological structures, providing habitat to cavity nesting species and food sources for wildlife. What if every film company that uses the park removed trees to accommodate their work? Park visitors are rightfully not allowed to cut trees, so why are film companies treated differently?
• The film company closed some of the area’s most popular bouldering spots for more than two weeks. Equally troubling, BC Parks made no effort to alert the public prior to filming. Why does BC Parks grant more rights to out-of-country film companies than to taxpaying citizens?
• The closing of the area may have adversely impacted local bouldering guides’ businesses. The area that was closed is perhaps the best place for guides to introduce clients new to the sport.
• BC Parks charged a mere $100 a day for the company to “rent” the park.
• The film crew altered a classic boulder spot by first applying a resin-like substance to climbing holds then using a wire brush to “correct” their mistake, perhaps forever changing the climb. Had the crew consulted with climbers beforehand, such a mistake could have been prevented.
If film production continues in the park, at the very least, B.C. residents should have a right to review and comment on film applications to identify areas of concern. Taxpayers should have a voice in how their public lands are managed.
Brian Vincent
Squamish
