Financial: In 30 years, it makes millions more in revenue than logging.
Employment: Lots of jobs through: thinning, restoring woodlands — culturally significant to the Quw’utsun, repairing streams, reforestation of deciduous, restoration of wildlife habitat, remediation of old logging roads, culverts, ditches, invasives…
Avoids pitfalls of logging: both logging scenarios result in fragmentation, damage to soil, mycelium, roots — leading to erosion, flooding, invasive species, wind channels/blow down.
Protects habitat — 141 species at risk — and our imperiled Coastal Douglas-fir forests.
Fire: minimizes drying; mature trees serve as fire blocks.
Visionary possibilities: Imagine a conservation centre, a college, more jobs, including for the Quw’utsun. Funding through partnerships, universities, Federal and Provincial programs, the Coastal Douglas-fir Conservation Partnership.
Both logging scenarios will happen in and around our cherished trails - including the Grand Traverse, across from Stoney Hill Regional Park, and other favourites.
So why would we log our home for less revenue to hike and bike in tree plantations?
We have the power to do something inspiring, to pass on a legacy.