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LETTER: Cody Caves Park protected (temporarily?)

From reader Bill Bryce
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Earlier this year, is was brought to the attention of the Friends of West Kootenay Parks that a local logging company, Cooper Creek Cedar, was in the process of applying for a cutting permit in a sensitive area just outside the boundaries of Cody Caves Provincial Park. Logging in one section of the proposed cut block could have been a disaster for the caves. After prolonged discussions between BC Parks, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (FLNRO), and Cooper Creek Cedar, an agreement was reached which saw an alteration of the Goal 2 Boundaries for the Cody Caves Provincial Park which will protect the headwaters of the caves.

The Friends of West Kootenay Parks would like to acknowledge Keith Baric of BC Parks, Bill Kestell of Cooper Creek Cedar and the staff at the Lands Branch of the local office of FLNRO for their work in bringing about this conclusion. We would also like to thank Friends member John Pollack and Park Operator Lee Hollis for their support and input into the negotiations.

While the redrawing of the Goal 2 Boundaries provides temporary relief for the critical 14 hectares outside the park, it is important in the long run that this area be brought into the park proper. We will continue to work to have this Goal 2 area added to Cody Caves Provincial Park.

Bill Bryce

President, Friends of West Kootenay Parks Society