Forest review misconceptions
Re: “Campaign killing forest interests with ‘wacky’ ideas”, “Resume logging in forest reserve” and “Elect council to axe forest review” letters to the editor
As it stands right now, the forest review is moving forward this week with a Forest Advisory Committee Meeting. (This is the committee that has managed the forest for the last 40 years).
They will be reviewing the forest management scenarios brought forward by UBC forestry and staff.
Next week the new forest management scenarios go to council for approval.
The scenarios include business as usual, variable retention harvesting, active and passive conservation.
The public will be informed on the details later in the fall. Thirteen of the current mayoral and councillor candidates have committed to a timely finish of the forest review.
Most think it would be a waste not to finish the review, given all the work that has gone into it — but they want it done quickly.
The statement, “The millions in carbon offset money promised is nowhere to be seen” is misleading as there has been no attempt by the municipality to sell carbon offsets. Council would have to approve this before they go to market.
No one is questioning the work of the volunteer Forest Advisory Committee. They are true professionals, respected in the industry and they more than fulfilled their mandate.
And now they are back — involved in charting the course for the future of the reserve.
I hope people will keep an open mind, get involved in the discussion, learn about the current and alternative forest management scenarios.
Rob Fullerton
North Cowichan