Friends of Snowden: In May 2018 I sent a letter to the Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD), the Honourable Doug Donaldson, asking him to place a moratorium on roadbuilding and logging in Snowden’s Core Area until a long-term Recreation Plan and a 20 year logging plan was developed for the Core Area. On July 3, 2018 the City of Campbell River sent a letter to the Minister with a similar request. On August 9th the Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM), Craig Sutherland, responded on behalf of the Minister. The ADM indicated that: 1. BC Timber Sales will begin a planning process that will take several months to complete in order to create a multi-year logging plan for the entire Snowden Demonstration Forest. 2. First Nations, the City of Campbell River, the Regional District, and key user groups will be invited to participate in the planning process. The ADM stated that “Recreational use in forested areas adjacent to communities is trending upwards across the Coast.” And he acknowledged that “Managing these multi-use areas in the workforce requires a dynamic planning process that PERIODICALLY REBALANCES [emphasis mine] the relative importance of forest values and their corresponding management priority.” He also stated that “The province recognizes that the Snowden Forest is a strategically important tourism and recreation asset.” To borrow the words of Winston Churchill, “This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end, but rather is the end of the beginning.” The task of figuring out how to protect those elements of Snowden that will enable us to maximize the value of Snowden to residents, visitors, and our local and regional economy now begins. The process should draw on a range of ideas from as many people as possible. How can Snowden be improved to increase the use and level of enjoyment of this local recreational treasure? For example, a dock, family-friendly swimming area, and a good quality walking trail all the way around Lost Lake would give people options while other family members go for a run or ride. A paved road to the Lost Lake parking lot would facilitate access for all vehicles. A long-term master plan for Snowden’s trail network would guide the development of this recreational asset and inform other management plans. We will work hard to solicit ideas in order to create a compelling vision for Snowden that will guide the long-term logging plans. Thank you for signing the petition and for helping to send a strong message to all levels of government that Snowden’s trails and other attributes are a valuable asset that need much more consideration and protection than are currently afforded them. We will do our best to harness this momentum to achieve improved recreational and tourism outcomes for Snowden and our community.