Friday, September 26, 2008

A Park for All Time

Island Timberlands owns the trees in this area. During negotiations with our Millennium Park and PRSC Forest Retention Committee Island Timberlands came up with a logging plan that involved some logging, largely on the part above the highway - but also below, to realize some value for their trees.

In response to Island Timberlands' plan we came up with an amended plan which included large tracts left intact, extensive buffers, and some selective logging with variable retention.

Walk through the Cut Connector Trail (see Millennium Park map ) to get a feel for what it looks like to have 50% retention after eight years post-harvest. The Cut Connector is not part of Millennium Park but it is a good example of retention logging. That trail has about a 20 metre buffer on either side of the path, with some small openings beyond that have now grown back in again with a vibrant young forest. It can easily be accessed from the top of the Cut (Marine Avenue) just to the south of the Haul Road overpass. To me, walking through there feels like walking through a park. There is more light in it than in the other parts. See what you think after a stroll through. Some parts of Millennium Park might end up looking like that depending on what details are agreed to .

Island Timberlands has not got back to us yet as of this date, but up until now your Millennium Park and PRSC Forest Retention Committee has been negotiating this plan with Island Timberlands in good faith. We expect to meet with them sometime in mid-October.

Once we have a final plan we will post its details. They will also be made public throughout the community. For now we have to concentrate on acquiring the park. A majority of voters have to vote yes. It's great to have your support. All of us together, we will create a lasting legacy for future generations, a park for all time, which we can also enjoy now.

Eagle Walz