In response to the article “Illegal campers gone – for now,” Aug. 25, 2016.
The illegal camping along the Mamquam Forest Service Road is by no means “gone-for now.”
This issue is chronic and will get worse every year as Squamish grows in popularity and the word spreads about free camping.
The reason people are camping in the illegal areas is because they don’t want to pay for camping. Yes, the Stawamus Chief campground can be full, but there are others such as the municipal campground and various private operators. Also, there’s free camping at the Chek recreation site north of town.
Regardless, the District of Squamish needs to make this a priority as the Valleycliffe residents are not impressed. Proper signage needs to be implemented with associated enforcement.
This requires more funding to the bylaw department, which is already stretched to the limit. Also, they need to seriously consider creating more “affordable” camping. Let’s nip this in the bud before the Mamquam FSR becomes a total ghetto.
Peter Winter
Valleycliffe
