Re. the debate over proposed logging in Olesen Creek is confused (“Logging project threatens tourism, says resident,” Squamish Chief, July 17). We live in a town that actively celebrates logging as part of its heritage, economy, and identity. For example, we have the annual Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival as well as the proposed Forestry Centre in Rose Park. That’s fine, but now people are saying that logging in Olesen Creek shouldn’t be allowed because of the negative visual impact and its effect on tourism and recreation in close proximity to the Class A Stawamus Chief Provincial Park. For those of you who are gondola users opposed to logging in places that spoil your view, please don’t forget that 2.36 hectares of Class A land was actually removed from the park and logged in order to install the gondola. Now we have a recent, local, active precedent for modifications to our provincial parks for the purposes of economic development. Now also with the recently passed British Columbia Bill 4 Park Amendment Act, we officially sanction and allow economic interests to modify our park lands, which ironically are considered to be protected areas and an asset for future generations to enjoy.
The immediate consideration of the visual impacts of logging Olesen Creek is shortsighted and does not address the more fundamental concern of true conservation.
Robbie Priestley
Squamish
