to anyone who cares

location: environment:

Dear Fellow Neighbors & Concerned citizens of Tahsis BC, Canada & Earth. 

I turn on the social media machine; hoping for peer support, instead of my usual, pseudo-activist-like entertainment. I come in peace and concern for our community here and reach further a field into our shared global environment because I think people in cities world wide have a vested interest in keeping wild places wild. After attending the question period yesterday hosted by the recreation center for the logging company Western Forest Products (WFP) concerning cutting 20 hectares within the sight lines of the town, I left scared. There have already been 3 deaths this year of private contractors and I know I am not alone in my worry of industrial accidents, lack of independent assessment and forethought for the ecology of the whole. I do not consider myself against industry as I have worked in forestry and know that if they don't get these specific trees will be others on the chopping block, there always is. I guess I see this place as having some potential beyond lumber, much more than a one trick pony. Beyond the dangers of landslides, destabilizing the mountain sides with blasting above inhabited private family homes and possibly causing the destruction of currently uncharted karst cave systems. I am concerned about the long term unforeseen consequences of the plans WFP has for the hinterlands of Tahsis and what they call TFL-19 Zeballos. Since I have a small child I often imagine the future of the village at the end of the road and I think we stand to continue seeing benefits from re-branding away from lumber boom town gone bust towards more friendly west coast eco-village wilderness mecca. I don't know what Mr Aikerman will take away from his evening Q& A with the citizenship to bring to the decision makers but I can not stand by while others literally transform the the landscape around me. I see this as a direct threat to the well being and safety of my community.  People live here, don't put us at risk. I ask you to write your own letters, sharing your stories, worries and hopes for what we hold in common. I intend to deliver my own letter and petition to stop plans for the crown lands located in and around Tahsis. Please join us!

Sincerely yours, 

Sarah Fowler