The Wilderness Committee has called for the resignation of Environment Minister Barry Penner, and accused the B.C. Liberals government of failing to take responsibility for ‘the end of the most endangered species in British Columbia,’ said spokesperson Andy Miller.
The species in question is the Spotted Owl, a bird that has been on the endangered species list since 1986 and whose numbers have dwindled to less than 17 birds in B.C. A 2007 government plan to protect the species was heavily criticized by government scientists.
About eight members of the Wilderness Committee are gearing up for a campout near St. Agnes Well (also known as Skookumchuck) hot springs, in an area designated as a spotted owl conservation area where logging is taking place.
"It's one of the last active spotted owl sites in B.C.," Miller said. "Right now the B.C. government doesn't know for sure whether there's an owl there anymore."
It was designated as a conservation area in 2004 – before the provincial government announced that any new spotted owl habitat would be completely protected from logging. Any habitat identified before that is open to logging with certain restrictions.
Jeff Drenk, vice president of operations at Squamish Mills Ltd., says his company is active in the area.He said they have to leave large diameter trees throughout the cutblock.
"The ministry of forests came up and did an inspection in yesterday... went over the parameters in the field," Drenk said. "I haven't seen the report but I believe everything looked okay."
Miller said the group will set up camp tomorrow – and daily after that – on the road, with banners and signs to attract vehicle traffic going to and from the St. Agnes and the Skatin First Nation reserve. He said they will continue after the election if necessary.
"If they keep logging, we'll keep it up until they stop," said Miller.
The Tyee attempted to contact Minister Penner, who is running for reelection in Chilliwack-Hope through the B.C. Liberals campaign office, but a request for comment was not returned promptly.
Colleen Kimmett reports for The Hook.
13
Login or register to post comments
freebear
2 years ago
Penner on 'Campaigning Leave'!!!
According to Penner (on CBC's BC Alamanc at noon) he is not 'running' the ministry while campaigning and that is why he does not have specific numbers and parks for recently announced late season openings and early season closures and reduced seasonal wardens!
Getting re-elected is more important than doing his job!
Stewardship!
Yeah right!
Fewer people to steward thousands of hectares of protected areas!
Worried about fiscal deficit but the Liberals are more than eager to attend the opening ceremonies at the Owe-limp-ics
Skywalker
2 years ago
Freebear
But he's still drawing his minister salary.
fisher
2 years ago
parks
Our parks are a treasure and should be looked after by trained professionals . the parks are given to us in trust and should be held in high regard.Something the CONLIBS are not much interested in unless privatization and money for the CONLIBSis involved. Fisher
fisher
2 years ago
parks
Our parks are a treasure and should be looked after by trained professionals . the parks are given to us in trust and should be held in high regard.Something the CONLIBS are not much interested in unless privatization and money for the CONLIBS is involved. Fisher
DPL
2 years ago
He of course mentioned he
He of course mentioned he had been a park ranger. The calls in by folks seemed pretty upset with the guy, ex park ranger or not. If he isn't working as the minister, why did Gordo take away Ding Dongs duties and spread them out to two other ministries? Just asking. The guy is a overpaid buffoon. he knows darm well what is going on but will cling to power till his last breath
gamedev
2 years ago
pathetic response from Penner
Wow, just wow. It is now possible, due to a completely paid off bunch of hacks called the mainstream media, for a cabinet minister to not answer questions about his own ministry during an election! I don't think "i've got a campaign to run" is a defense for refusing questions about the actual policies they are running on. Where do the Sun and Province get their reporters from anyway? The local SPAC? It sure looks like a possibility after seeing what pussies they are!
By the way, where the hell are the butt licking pair, David Suzuki and Tzeporah Berman? What do they have to say about the latest cutbacks to the parks staff? Not a frigging word, thats what! Along with Berman's full support of the rape of our lakes and rivers, its hard to see her as anything more than a paid-off corporate hack, with a nice hidden agenda to privatize every last asset of British Columbia. Any real environmentalist is supporting the NDP. The Green Party talks big, but their right-wing economic beliefs are completely at odds with protecting the environment. I mean, whats cheaper? Clear cutting an area with no limits or selective logging that at least affords some protection for the forest? Obviously clear cutting wins, and thats why you can't believe the Green party is REALLY green. They will always pick what is cheaper for industry and that is exactly what Campbell does...
gamedev
2 years ago
my apologies to the SPCA
They do a fine job and don't deserve to be compared with Vancouver Sun and Province reporters (cough).
Skywalker
2 years ago
He can't resign
What else could he do? Heis been Campbell's lackey for most of his working life.
politico
2 years ago
huh?
Wow an environmental org that has not bowed to King Campbell?
Someone should send Horter and the Hollyhock crew over there and straighten them out.
They got a threepeat to nail down for the good of the environment.
Luke Skywalker
2 years ago
Is It the SPOTTED OWL or the PORT MANN BRIDGE...
I've never understood the Western Wilderness Committee. They were first for the preservation of the "Spotted Owl" and then IWA leader Jack Munro, back in the day, stated that they (the owl) should all be shot in order to preserve his member's jobs.
After the spotted owl, the WWC's next campaign was against the Port Mann Bridge Twinning.
Are we now back again to the Spotted Owl? :D
Frank
2 years ago
Cause and effect
Luke, are you saying that Jack Munro's statements heavily influence the WCWC? Because that's the way your post looks from here.
freebear
2 years ago
Penner Campbell Waffling now on Park Ranger cuts
Of course now that the 'green' Liberals have let it slip during the campaign that Park Rangers are being cutback they are trying bto wiggle out now!
What say you renowned and revered by Liberals in BC David Suzuki?
Carbon Tax to the rescue?
Skywalker
2 years ago
Hey Luke..
how come you have no comment on Sean Hollmann's "Big Four pay big money to BC Liberals". I wanted to see your response/spin on that one. It might be kinda hard to obfuscate with the old copy and paste technique.