The regional director for rural Kaslo is expressing his “utmost concern” about Meadow Creek Cedar’s plans for the Fletcher Creek area.
In a letter last week to the Kootenay Lake Forest District manager, Andy Shadrack says the company is planning and laying out cutblocks in a watershed that is the source of domestic water for about 65 residents and property owners.
“Please can I have an explanation forthwith as to why this company is being allowed to continue operations given the seriousness of the allegations made against it, and assurances that absolutely no harm will come to this domestic watershed in my jurisdiction,” he writes.
Shadrack says it is being alleged to him that the company is logging the “easiest and best sites,” without being held accountable to failures to restock cutblocks.
“How much longer is it the intent of the provincial Crown to allow this company to continue operations, when only the guts and feathers are left for a future tenure holder?” he asked.
District manager Garth Wiggil was out of the office last week, but Ministry spokeswoman Cheekwan Ho said in an email that Meadow Creek Cedar has not yet applied for a cutting permit.
Ho said the company has indicated to Ministry staff that they are working with water license holders and “following strategies relating to community watersheds as outlined in the Forest Stewardship Plan.”
That includes seeking a hydrological assessment by a qualified professional.
“Staff will also be closely monitoring Meadow Creek Cedar’s activities to ensure they continue to comply with requirements,” Ho said.
A wide-ranging Forest Practices Board report on the company’s general operations is expected to be released in four to six weeks.
MLA Michelle Mungall and the NDP’s forest critics are also meeting with Forests Minister Steve Thomson on November 17 to discuss the company.