Press Release - Thursday, June 19, 2008

at  Wilderness Committee Slideshow & AGM

Qualicum Beach, BC – The future of Rathtrevor, Cathedral Grove and Strathcona Provincial Parks will be part of a special Wilderness Committee, Mid-Island Chapter AGM and Slideshow at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, 7:00 pm, Thursday, June 26, where featured guests, Joe Foy, WC National Campaign director and Ken Wu, Victoria Campaign director, will be addressing conservation updates such as the Run of River Power Projects, Vancouver Islands Oldgrowth campaign and the recent Forest Land removals by private companies.

"In a surprise move, BC Parks cut down approximately 8 trees in Cathedral Groves famous MacMillan Park during nesting season this spring," explains Annette Tanner, WC Mid Island spokesperson. "Concerned local citizens and community groups have been requesting access to the ornithologists report and other related studies and information supporting why and where and what is being proposed in the Fall, when BC Parks is proposing to cut down another 21 or so more trees in the oldgrowth park."

"The lack of a meaningful public consultation process that should ideally protect our precious provincial parks has become a serious issue for changes being proposed for not only Cathedral Grove, but for Rathtrevor and Strathcona Provincial Parks as well," Tanner continues. "Friends of Strathcona Park will talk about proposals to amend that Parks Masterplan without adequate public consultation."

"Several community groups are talking about forming a Citizens Parks Council to ensure ongoing communication and public consultation with BC Parks so that the Vision, the Masterplan and the Management decisions would protect Rathtrevor and Cathedral Grove Provincial Parks and possibly other parks, for the future," Tanner concludes. " Hopefully the community will get some answers about what is being planned before any more trees come down in Cathedral Grove this fall. There will be an opportunity to support the formation of a Citizens Parks Council and to sign up, at the meeting."

Everyone is welcome. For more information: 250 752-6585 or 716-9292. Meeting starts at 7:00 pm, Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, 747 Jones Street on Thursday, June 26. Admission by donation. www.cathedralgrovecanyon.com

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For more information contact Annette Tanner 250 752-6585 – cell 240-7470