I oppose BC's unethical woLF CuLL program!

[My letter to the Prince George Citizen]

Re:  CULLING WILDLIFE IS NEVER THE ANSWER!

Dear Editor(s),

I strongly oppose the B.C. wolf kill program.  Sustained killing of wolves, in the absence of protecting adequate caribou habitat, is unjustifiable. This inhumane activity is contrary to the values of most British Columbians.

The Govt. has permitted forestry, mining & other resource companies to disturb & destroy caribou habitat, & now that some herds are on the brink of extinction, wolves are made the scapegoat (again).  It is avoidance of what really should be done, which is to stop destruction of wildlife habitats.

We would be wise to consider that reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park led to a much stronger, healthier & more resilient ecosystem.  In BC these ecosystems evolved with wolves as an apex predator, & they will not function properly without them.

What these systems did NOT evolve to cope with is massive habitat disturbance/loss as a consequence of logging, mining & oil/gas activity.  Approved old-growth clearcutting, Northern Gateway/TMX pipelines, Site C hydro project & various LNG pipelines do more harm to caribou herds than ANY wolf population.  BC's Wolf Mgmt. Plan itself stated that its wolf-killing programs "have not resulted in any measurable benefits for caribou", while Alberta’s wolf cull "failed to achieve any improvement in Boreal Woodland Caribou survival" (Journal of Zoology, Nov. 2014).

Notably, the UN declared 2021-2030 the Decade of Ecosystem Restoration -- to fight the catastrophic impacts of degraded/destroyed ecosystems on biodiversity, climate, food security & water supply.  ALL experts in this field -- from biologists + conservationists to observers + scientific researchers -- have provided overwhelming evidence that HUMAN INTERFERENCE IN WILDLIFE HABITATS IS DETRIMENTAL TO THE HEALTH + LONG-TERM SURVIVAL OF WILDERNESS ECOSYSTEMS.  

Recognizing the importance of biodiversity & the lasting impacts of species loss, in 2017 the BC NDP Govt. promised to enact a Species At Risk Law by 2020.  In 2019, Premier Horgan announced that no such law was pending "in the foreseeable future".

Govts. must recognize the intrinsic value of healthy species & ecosystems, & the critical role they play in supporting healthy human economies.  We have a moral obligation to prevent species extinction, first by habitat protection -- based on the knowledge of independent ecologists/ traditional knowledge holders.  In accordance with BC's Declaration on the Rights of indigenous People's Act, the Govt. must work with indigenous communities to develop this law.  Before it's too late.

https://www.raincoast.org/2015/01/voices-against-the-wolf-cull/

BUDGET 2021 - Submission to BC's Legislative Committee

I managed to post my feedback on BC Govt's plans for Budget 2021 by the deadline today, thanks to Ancient Forest Alliance's helpful tool emphasizing the urgency of prioritizing protection of BC's old-growth forests -- at this link, if you're interested:  https://www.ancientforestalliance.org/action-alert-speak-up-for-ancient-forests-submit-your-feedback-on-budget-2021-before-june-26th/  I've copied & pasted my submission (with added highlights) here:

To the Select Standing Committee on Finance & Govt. Services,

To create a truly sustainable and resilient economy, we must protect the natural ecosystems on which we all depend for our health and survival. Many of BC’s important ecosystems are endangered, threatened by the very real hazards of climate change, overdevelopment and widespread toxic spraying which leaves them vulnerable to beetle infestations and wildfires.  These precious ecosystems support large concentrations of endangered species, wild salmon habitat, drinking watersheds, climate balance, important First Nations cultural sites and outstanding recreational/ tourism opportunities.  Protecting BC's sustaining natural assets --of which old-growth forests unquestionably classify as the most valuable-- is a crucial part of the [NDP-promised] Species At Risk Act, which needs to be legislated ASAP to meet our climate-change goals and our requirements as environmental stewards.

BC’s coastal and temperate old-growth forests are vital for sustaining unique/ endangered species, a multi-billion dollar tourism industry, many First Nations cultures, a stable climate and clean water for communities/ wild salmon.  And we are fast losing these key life-support systems to rampantly destructive clear-cut logging whose short-term, private gains do not come close to offsetting the deadly debilitating costs of destruction by deforestation.

Recent independent research shows that only a tiny fraction (less than 3%) of BC’s highly productive old-growth forests --i.e. those capable of growing big trees-- remain standing today.  Studies have also shown that keeping old-growth forests standing provides a greater overall economic benefit than cutting them down - not only for the critical habitats they provide for BC's threatened biodiversity, but for their prodigious C02-storing services that no other element on Earth provides.  We need these forests intact to help keep our GHG levels from rising and to give this province a chance at fighting the worst effects of climate change.  Importantly, it must be noted that ALL of the C02 stored in old-growth forests is released into the atmosphere when logged.  And once they are logged, these important non-renewable natural assets are lost forever.  Allowing our precious old-growth forests to be logged at their current rate is therefore tantamount to criminal dereliction of our duty as stewards of our own sustaining wilderness ecosystems.

I therefore recommend the BC government prioritize the conservation of endangered old-growth forests in its 2021 provincial budget by:

1) Establishing a dedicated $40 million per year BC Natural Lands Acquisition Fund to purchase private lands of high conservation, scenic, cultural, and recreational value from willing sellers to add to BC’s parks and protected areas system. This $40 million annual fund should increase by $10 million/year until the fund reaches $100 million/year.

2) Contributing funding toward the sustainable development and economic diversification of Vancouver Island First Nations communities in lieu of old-growth logging, similar to the $120 million (including $30 million in provincial funds) provided to First Nations in the Great Bear Rainforest in support of ecosystem-based management in that region.

3) Allocating dedicated funding toward the creation, planning, implementation and management of a provincial Natural Lands Acquisition Fund to systematically purchase and protect endangered ecosystems on BC’s private lands for the benefit of communities and species alike -  along with Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) in BC.  IPCAs are increasingly being recognized as effective mechanisms for conserving lands and waters while also supporting the languages, cultures, health, wellbeing, jobs and economies of Indigenous communities - and therefore must be supported and funded in Budget 2021.

 

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Sarah M. Chesterman

TMX jeopaRdizes BC's biodiveRsiTy

My letter to editors --via LeadNow's tooL @ this link:
https://act.leadnow.ca/tmx-letter/


Dear editor,

The indigenous-led movement opposing the Trans Mountain expansion project (TMX) is solidly backed by Raincoast Conservation Foundation -- https://www.raincoast.org/ -- whose exemplary studies of Southern Resident Killer Whales show that our Killer Whale population --only 73 individuals as of Oct. 2019-- is critically endangered, facing serious threats "exacerbated by noise, physical disturbance & contaminants" that are having "substantial cumulative & negative effects on their chances of survival & ability to recover."  Raincoast's scientists deem this an "unquestionable emergency" requiring immediate "vital actions" to prevent the "high likelihood that Southern Resident Killer Whales will continue their spiral towards extinction" -- these include "operational measures to reduce noise & disturbance from commercial vessels traveling in/near Southern Resident foraging areas" & taking "steps to limit the cumulative effects of vessel traffic", consistent with the Species At Risk Act's Killer Whale Recovery Strategy.

Evidence submitted to the National Energy Board (NEB) showed the TMX project would lead to a sevenfold increase in tanker traffic through critical Southern Resident habitat, & the NEB in its project reconsideration report concluded “Project-related marine shipping is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects on the Southern Resident killer whale".  The Federal Court of Appeal ruled in Aug. 2018 that Cabinet's approval of TMX failed to comply with the Species At Risk Act, yet despite updated evidence presented in Jan. 2019 by Ecojustice showing TMX-related shipping would impact endangered killer whales, federal govt. approved TMX again in June 2019.. & in Sept. 2019 Federal Court of Appeal declined to hear Ecojustice's challenge on behalf of Raincoast..

It's CLEAR our federal/provincial govts, aided by the Courts, are guilty of their own FAILURE TO UPHOLD RULE OF LAW in dismissing Canada's Species At Risk Act & reneging on their own stated intentions/promises vis-a-vis 'climate emergency' -- primarily to advance private corporate interests of the polluting fossil-fuel activities proven by leading science as KEY CAUSES exacerbating global warming.  Recalling Premier Horgan's promise to do "whatever it takes" to stop TMX, the utter hypocrisy of govt's TMX approval is further exemplified by RCMP raids on Wetsu'wet'en land defenders fighting for BC's future VS. ongoing Govt-approved UNSUSTAINABLE resource development that MAKES A MOCKERY OF 'CLIMATE ACTION' & 'RECONCILIATION'.  We need to RALLY IN SUPPORT OF INDIGENOUS-LED, SCIENCE-DRIVEN EFFORTS & show Govts we'll no longer sit in silence while they fast-track global warming & jeopardize our futures with old policies & subsidies that only guarantee THE WORST OUTCOMES!

Sincerely,

SARAH CHESTERMAN
Vancouver, BC

HeLp me SAVE THESE SPECIAL TOADS!

(Letter to Govt)

Written with Wilderness Committee's letter-writing tool --you can write one too! --here:  

Wilderness Committee -TAKE ACTION for TOADS!l

Photo from WildernessCommittee.org

my letter:

TO: Nakusp Mayor & Councillors, Premier Horgan, Minister Heyman, Minister Donaldson, Minister Beare, Mr. Andrew Weaver

RE: PLEASE PROTECT SPECIAL TOAD HABITAT!

Dear Madam/Sirs,

I was so very dismayed to learn of plans for more logging to take place at Summit Lake, home to the largest population of western toads in the world. Every summer thousands visit to watch baby toads migrate from the lake where they are born to the forest they spend their lives in. In fact the BC government once called it “one of the greatest wildlife migrations in the world”.

I recently learned that the Nakusp & Area Community Forest Company (NACFOR) has cut some core toad habitat for timber in recent years. These new cuts could easily endanger these famous toads --& I cannot stand for that to happen!

I am still reeling from this terrible news, as I am shocked you would allow this iconic species to die out due to destruction of their habitat for a one-time profit grab! This shows a very UN-CANadian disrespect of our iconic, precious native wildlife - especially in light of recent exposés on BC's ruthless & unsustainable logging policies. This obsolete attitude is the very antithesis of what we want to honour here in beautiful BC, & i find it unacceptable.

I am asking you today to please set aside a minimum of 670 hectares of this prime wildlife habitat instead of cutting it for timber. The toads rely on intact forest habitat across Highway 6 from Summit Lake, where they migrate & spend 97% of their lives: losing this unique endangered living species would be an unmitigated ecological tragedy that your decision noT to log could prevent! The Wilderness Committee of BC states:
"We ask that no more logging occurs in the 670 Ha of NACFOR’s tenure that has been research-identified as core terrestrial toad habitat. This small area is 'Species at Risk' habitat.. As of 2018 over $800,000 has already been invested to prevent toad deaths on Highway 6, which cuts off Summit Lake from adult toad forest habitat.."

Please: Let’s not waste this investment by recklessly destroying toad habitat across the highway! Many thousands of people would be utterly destroyed by such a callous, careless action..

These world-renowned toads are responsible for Toad Fest, a raging ecotourism success drawing thousands of visitors each year. This event alone can provide sustainable economic opportunity in the growing sector of ecotourism if the native toad population is preserved, being the largest of its kind for this species..

This forest is also home to wild grizzly bears, great blue herons, couer d’Alene salamanders & other species at risk. Protecting its rich biodiversity is a critical imperative, if we are to survive this global crisis let alone thrive -- which isn't likely if we keep logging the healthy forests & wilderness areas that sustain us!?

Instead of irresponsibly cutting down this forest & undermining all cherished values except the one-off sale of timber (which in my opinion would be criminal given the global state of things due to deforestation etc), Nakusp should respect its native local wildlife species & preserve their important habitat, thereby facilitating peaceful enjoyment of this favourite tourist spot for decades to come..

As the sole owner of NACFOR, Nakusp can choose not to log & instead be key conservation partners going forward: this option is preferable for everyone -- except perhaps the habitat destroyers, the logging co's that have unsustainably raped too much of BC for far too long. We cannot afford to lose more carbon-sinking forests, or drive more wild species to extinction..
Enough is enough: a climate emergency is underway, & Canada's performance so far has been shameful at best -- ie. our destructive resource-mgmt methods have contributed to this 'climate crisis' - & we must transition to liveable, sustainable methods that protect remaining healthy ecosystems from harm - for future generations at the very least..

Please do the right thing & protect these toads from unnecessary habitat destruction!

Thank you very much.

Sarah Chesterman
Maple Ridge, BC

Powered by Ne



& some nice.after-effects *beam*

Original message------

From: Charlotte Dawe

Date: Thu, Jul 4, 2019 8:09 PM

To: Sarah Chesterman

Subject:Thanks for being a toad person 🐸

Thank you for speaking up for the toads, Sarah! You are an awesome “toad person” whether this is your first or fifth action to protect species at risk in BC.
Please help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity for action:
Post to Facebook ►Share on Twitter ►Share by email ►

------ Original message------

From: SaRaHC. .

Date: Fri, Jul 5, 2019 10:06 PM

To: Charlotte Dawe;

Cc:

Subject:Re: Thanks for being a toad person 🐸

Awesome Charlotte, & thanks for the copy of my letter!  I am honoured..🐸 --& as always, i'll keep sharing & writing..

This iS THE most important work I do sooo-- I'll see all campaigns thRu.. come what may!  One thing's sure:  we're on the right side, with more people-power added daily to quash the evil dunderheads who think they'll always get by on their disinformation, lies & pollution that'll topple them all in the end, exposing their ACTUAL hold on things.. 

(I've no doubt it's less than we believed, & disengaging from polluters will ROLL once the tidal wave of CLEAN GREEN BETTER WAYS defeats their toxic ops -- hopefully before aLL forests are felled & extinction has set in..)

Together we wiLL make it happen!

Guess our biggest challenge is our own Govt that gets away with shirking their sworn duties to us people, in favour of pandering to the evil corporate forces that control them.  We'll prevail --we must!-- by (finally) learning from 1st Nations, our rightful leaders from the start..

Cheers!! Keep me posted please..💚

SARAH CHESTERMAN

Sent from my Mobile

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