Stop Unregulated Private Logging

Sunshine Logging of Kaslo is currently clearcut logging a huge area above Cottonwood Lake near Nelson, threatening ecosystems, grizzly bear habitat, and recreation. The land is privately owned by Nelson Land Corporation, so even basic regulations meant to help safeguard natural areas don’t apply.

This clearcut logging is an awful scar on our local environment, but it’s symptomatic of a much bigger problem. A loophole in provincial regulation means that even basic rules meant to help safeguard natural areas don’t apply, because the land is privately owned.

According to the Nelson Star: [2]

"The Nelson Land Corporation, formed in the fall of 2017 by Mike Jenks and Bernie van Maren, bought the properties in December. Jenks is known in the Kootenays and on Vancouver Island for buying up large tracts of private land, logging it, and then selling it, using several company names."

It’s time to fix this, so that companies can’t use speculation and buying up private land to avoid even basic regulations meant to protect our environment.

The clearcut logging taking place now is causing outrage among local residents, and even the Regional District of Central Kootenay is calling for the provincial government to step in.[4]

If enough of us sign on to this campaign, together we can give the RDCK the support it needs, and pressure the province to take action. Please sign today, and spread the word!

Sources:

[1] https://www.nelsonstar.com/news/the-logging-plan-no-one-wants-to-talk-about/
[2] https://www.nelsonstar.com/news/logging-planned-for-cottonwood-lake-and-apex-areas/
[3] https://www.nelsonstar.com/news/unregulated-private-land-logging-continues-near-nelson-at-cottonwood-lake/
[4] https://www.nelsonstar.com/news/rdck-wants-province-to-regulate-private-land-logging/