ECA recognizes that continued logging of the south slope of Mt. Elphinstone will have significant impacts on the lands and homes in Area E. There has already been substantial flood damage downslope from previous logging activity. Residents currently have no recourse in the event of damage to private property and public infrastructure, such as our roads and water supply, caused by clearcut logging. In addition to loss of the aesthetic, ecological and recreational value of the natural forest above us, we must bear the cost of this damage.
We therefore work in cooperation, where we find common ground, with other independent community groups and conservation organizations, including the Reed Road Forest Working Group (formed by community members in 2013 to oppose BC Timber Sales plans to auction cutblock DL 1313), the Sunshine Coast Conservation Association, Elphinstone Logging Focus, neighbouring community associations, and local governing bodies. ECA is a signatory to several letters calling for a moratorium on all plans for logging the area upslope from our communities until an acceptable plan for protecting our aquifer watersheds is in place:
April 2023: Letter to BCTS Re: Mt. Elphinstone South Watershed Assessment
July 2023: Letters and comments to BCTS and Premier Eby
November 2024: RE Planned logging of cut block TA0519 on Mt. Elphinstone South
April 2025: Protect Drinking Water: Defer BCTS Logging on Mt. Elphinstone & Support a Water
Sustainability Plan
We would love to be able to expand our capacity for education and advocacy, but more volunteers are needed to maintain a strong standing committee with the ability to respond to increasing efforts to open additional Mt. Elphinstone areas to logging activity. If you have a particular talent or expertise, or interest and a willingness to learn, we would welcome your participation. Please get in touch with president Rod Moorcroft at info@elphinstonecommunity.ca
Plans to auction the Reed Road Forest are currently deferred but not withdrawn, and other identified blocks within the BCTS area of operation remain unprotected.
More information and resources:
Elphinstone Hiking Group
Living Forest Institute
Reporting by Area E Director Donna McMahon
BCTS Elphinstone South Watershed Assessment (March 2023):
News
