Access to wilderness areas is at risk all across BC. Creeks and rivers are being dammed, forests being harvested and mountain tops being removed for mining. The current BC government's mandate seems to be to sell of as much resources as possible and deal with the consequences later. But the coastline? Is it possible for the government to restrict access to surf and beaches?
In Jordan River, this is now an ongoing battle. The BC Liberals have allowed one of their largest donors and owners of much of the land surrounding Jordan River to subdivide and develop the coastline. Because logging can only last for so long Western Forest Projects plans to add residential development to the lands which they currently manage and harvest. If these projects were to go through, access to the beaches and coastline would be restricted, rivers would be polluted, and sustainable forestry would come to an abrupt halt to make way for clear cutting and condos.
One solution being offered by locals is to protect the area as a park. With park status the wilderness and coastline would be protected from development and excessive forestry. Because this land was traditionally owned by a number of First Nations, there is also a huge push by them to keep development out. This gives the opportunity for recreationalists and First Nations to work together on providing a solution.
Because recreational groups and conservationists are often over looked, working with First Nations may be one of the best possible solutions. Often our goals are the same. First Nations want to keep the land in its traditional form. Recreation groups want to enjoy the wilderness in its natural state. This is the perfect partnership to gain a louder voice. Bringing stakeholders together and finding common goals may be one of the best ways to protect the wilderness areas that our government is pawning off.
article: SBC SURF Spring 2008 ENVIROFILE: Jordan River is mine?
image from: www.bcsurfer.com
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