Re: “Environmentalists fight to save tract of old-growth Island trees,” July 21.
Everybody needs to go, even if you don’t join the fight!
Last week, I visited the park for a second time. The side brush had so encroached, since I was there two years ago, that the branches scraped the side panels.
Pressing on, I encountered a massive rockslide one kilometre from the parking lot.
Once on the trail, I was instantly uplifted to ethereal heights of awe and ecstasy. In the valley bottom, the Carmanah River has plenty of water. The ecosystem sustains itself, even if there are drought conditions. Truly, one’s mind cannot take it all in.
Sadly, the years have rendered the boardwalk impassable in several places. A couple of massive trees have fallen, obliterating the path on the way to Heaven Tree. Boards and support beams are badly needing replacement.
I have a solution. If MP John Duncan is so happy about pre-election handouts, why not put up the money for new contracts for old-growth park stewardship, trail crews and road-access maintenance?
Logging company Teal-Jones’ concern about providing jobs could be channelled into the emerging eco-tourist economy by helping secure passable access to world-class sites such as Carmanah, the Walbran and Castle Grove. The Dididaht First Nation are proud of their lands and the work they did on original construction in the park. Fresh political will might yet envision an alternative future to the slash/consume one we have now.
I say, check your shock absorbers, get good tires and go to these amazing woods. I hope you continue to publish on this important issue.
Ross White
Saanich
