Western Canada Wilderness Committee

Our Coast Canvass

The Sunshine Coast is a unique series of communities on BC's coast - though a long term resource extraction area it has a strong environmental community and a lot of well informed and engaged citizens.

I was up there on the WCWC Canvass trip -- amazing. It is very different to canvass in the country, where folks are so surprised to see a canvasser and really want to know what is going on as well as to give the inside scoop on what's up in their area. And some of those long mountain-topping driveways! It's a good workout, I can tell ya.

The big concern right now for the residents of the Sunshine Coast is a big mining operation headed by Pan Pacific Agregates. They have put a mining claim on all of the Coast from Sechelt to Lund. There has been some pretty significant road development so far, and big impacts on fish-bearing streams. They will be mining 'low grade, high volume' which we could clearly understand by looking at the open pit mining operation that takes up much of the skyline of east Sechelt. Yuk. For more info, see the Sunshine Coast Conservation Association's website.

Also of concern up there is some proposed cutblocks on Mt. Elphinstone, and pesticide spraying by Weyerhauser. One road proposed within the logging plans would cross 7 streams which are depended on by locals for drinking water. Due to a petition voicing citizen concern, an alternate route is now being considered for the road. Nice work, folks!

It all showed me very clearly how important it is to get info out to people about what is happening, and to have ways to engage in community planning. I think what is so interesting about the Coast is how many folks are involved and go to community meetings -- it was inspiring to see so many people talking about their issues and doing the work. Thanks!

Resting Rocks & Wet Socks

It is past four o'clock, and I lie suspended between a cedar and a spruce in my hammock. Lost Valley creek is rushing below me, and tastes good. Although we had early spring temperatures and four days of solid rain, the Lost Valley expedition was phenomenal.

On one level, we made great friends all around and formed a spiritual bond with the valley. On another level, we made progress toward the realization of a land-use plan set forth by the St'at'imc (pronounced Stat-lee-um) to save their traditional land.

During the first few days, I must say that things looked a little grim. We were struggling with our heinous packs, and some had a hard time keeping up. We didn't know each other or what to expect. Toward the end though, we were sharing our food around the fire, cracking jokes, and helping each other to dry our drenched socks. Good times, good company.

Historically, the St'at'imc criss-crossed these valleys for hunting, communication, and other purposes, and there is ample evidence of a complex network of trails. Of course, you have to know what to look for, and Kenny and Mike, two St'at'imc men, taught us to really keep our eyes open. At times, when we were standing in a seemingly impassable tangle of branches, fallen trees, bogs, and boulders, Kenny or Mike would look around patiently, smile, then raise his machete, and, to our amazement, exclaim, "That way." They pointed out 'resting rocks' where their ancestors used to rest their packs. They showed us 'warm-up trees,' the bark of which was partly burned to keep warm on the trail. And, we learned how to recognize some old trail markers, such as pinched trees and braided trees. In addition to showing us these and other culturally-modified trees, Kenny--who in his spare time fixes up bikes and builds dug-out canoes--pointed out numerous edible and poisonous plants and their traditional uses. I am impressed that the oral tradition is alive and well, and I am honoured that Kenny and Mike shared some of their knowledge with us 'city folk.'

The mountains tower from the valley floor, the sun skims across the trees, the bear munches on some shoots in the avalanche chute, and the river, with its thousand voices--some of which we heard--flows constantly. It is easy to feel the water's spiritual pull and wax philosophical. As I sit here, back in the city, transcribing the experience, it seems eerily quiet without the rushing torrent. "Voices?" I hear you ask doubtfully. Yes, voices. But you'll have to go and check it out for yourself. I have a whole new perspective of Lost Valley and why it must be saved. Suddenly, it's more than just a place on a map. And I only spent a week in there. I cannot begin to imagine the attachment the St'at'imc must feel. Thanks Kenny, Mike, BJ, and everyone else. I hope to be back soon.

Fil Krykorka, Wilderness Committee Volunteer