Thank you to everyone who has signed and shared this petition!

A few updates since launching this just yesterday:

• CBC Radio wants to do an interview about the petition. One of my neighbours (Tim De Freitas (BSc, MSc, PhD, PGeo)) whose property is directly adjacent to the proposed clear cut area will discuss scientific concerns we have, while I get to field the discussion around community-based concerns. Interview has been tentatively set for 7:10 am on Monday, April 24 on CBC Daybreak with Chris Walker.
• Tim had reached out to Ministry of Forests in early April to express his concerns and to seek the Ministry’s response to several questions about the project. No response to date. I also have reached out but similarly have received no response.
• Tim reached out to RDNO in early April. This was the very disheartening response: “RDNO does get referred information on proposed timber harvesting and provides comments on these harvesting proposals where there are related matters within our Regional Growth Strategy or Official Community Plans relating to watersheds, steep slopes or visual impacts.  However, as the timber harvesting is taking place on Crown land where forestry activities can be undertaken there isn’t any further input or authority that RDNO has on this.” They recommended attempting to contact Ministry of Forests. Talk about passing the buck.
• Tim then reached out to the Forest Practices Board. They are keen for us to keep them apprised of our efforts and progress and may be able to provide support if the licensee (unsure who that is) or BC Timber Sales are not helpful or engaged with our requests for information. 
• Our area director with RDNO, Amanda Shatzko, has since responded positively to Tim’s outreach. She promises to send our info to RDNO staff who have a history of working with forestry, as they have lobbied in the past to stop cut blocks that could negatively affect our watersheds.

Thanks again for all your support. 

Regan Truscott