Editor’s note: This letter was sent to the District of Squamish and copied to The Chief.
The Cheekye Fan is a recognized “wildlife hotspot.” It’s a critical wildlife-land-bridge that connects Garibaldi and Alice Lake Parks in the east to Brackendale Eagles and Tantalus Park in the west. Despite hydro lines, Highway 99 and the Squamish River the Cheekye Fan-land-bridge is used year-round, through daylight and darkness by bear, elk, deer, cougar, bobcats, wolves and more.
Incremental change on the Cheekye Fan threatens the functionality of the Cheekye Fan wildlife land bridge. Consider an alien invasion in Vancouver, say from Mars. The Martians know there are Indigenous humans. However, it’s clear that alternatives exist so vapourizing the Lions Gate, and Ironworkers Memorial bridges won’t impact the social or economic organization of the humans. Oh, really?
Squamish could and should retain as large a portion of the Cheekye Fan as possible as a community forest. A community forest respects the value of this prime forest growing site; be available for the harvesting timber, cedar bark, medicinal and other botanical products. It will continue to provide recreation trails, educational opportunities, and, retain essential connectivity for wildlife.
Biodiversity loss is not just about elephants in Africa, polar bears in the Arctic, Facebook likes, or the Squamish estuary. We as Squamish individuals and community understand our responsibility to steward our backyard both in our behaviours and in our decisions.
Thank you for your consideration.
-Meg Fellowes
Former: President, Squamish Estuary Conservation Society/Squamish Environment Society Former: District of Squamish two-term councillor 1993-1999.
