FORESTRY
It is wrong to log indiscriminately, such as in watersheds, and clear cutting other sections. Why do you think we
get massive mud slides? It is because the trees provide a buffer. True, a landslide can take out trees, but if the
trees are there, it slows down the landslide a bit, giving people a little more time to get out. Without the trees,
there is nothing to slow the flow of mud.
Company's are taking right steps by replanting, but let me ask you a question. How old are the trees that are
being cut down now? No less than 200 years old. The seedlings won't be ready for harvest until your great
grand children are old enough to log.
Then, shipping the good logs overseas just because they can get a better $ amount, all the while neglecting
our own mills and putting a noose around the necks of our own workers, is just plain wrong.
What is needed is sustainable logging practices, then give more than 50% of the logs to our own mills.
LAND BUFFERS
One problem is that wild animals are wandering into our neighbourhoods, such as cougars, racoons, bear, and
deer.
The reason for that is that their habitat is being destroyed and en-cringed upon. The forests are home to many
animals, and it is getting harder and harder for them to find food, therefore they come into our neighbourhoods.
I know a lot of people enjoy backing their houses right up to the woods, but there needs to be a buffer zone to
keep both the wildlife and the people, with all their domestic animals, safe.
Look at the woman with the bed & breakfast place in Port Hardy.
Her property is right up against the forest, along a path that the bears have
made, and then wonders why bears, and not just once, were actually found
in her house.
Even if she doesn't mind the bears, what about the guests?
Creatures are hungry and losing their fear of man. This is a very dangerous mix.
There are passers by in cars, who stop along the side of the road, and entice the bears with food, and then
wonder why they get attacked.
We have to stop living like we can have or do anything we want, regardless of the consequences.
