My Letter to BC Forestry Minister Ravi Parmar 'et al'

 

As someone who is deeply concerned about the dangerous direction of the BC Govt & MSM vis-a-vis the perilous state of BC's globally-rare rainforest ecosystems, I wrote the following letter in support of a (Govt-promised) Biodiversity & Ecosystem Health law - via the locally-based non-profit Neighbours United.  ( Be sure to add your name to their related petition at this link:  Add your name - Defend our home - Neighbours United )  Here's my letter: 

Dear Ministers Neill, Parmar and Premier Eby,

As a born & bred BCer I've been advocating for biodiversity & ecosystem protection for literally years, having learned firsthand the heart-sinking outcomes of govt. policies that blatantly ignore Science & give logging ops free rein to wipe out whole wildlife habitats with frighteningly efficient clearcutting, spraying with deadly chemicals & other last-century industrial norms that should be banned by now.

In Maple Ridge, the latest result of your govt's inaction sticks out like an open wound:  a giant clearcut adjacent to Dewdney Trunk Rd that's suddenly eliminated an entire stretch of forest - along with all its Climate-protecting/ wildlife-sustaining assets - just in time for summer (/'fire season').  Making the drive is now a torturous reminder of your govt's dereliction of duty that allowed this to happen ON YOUR WATCH..

So my worries for BC's future have only intensified, seeing the (predicted & well-warned) disastrous effects of govt's reckless doubling-down on egregious status-quo 'Talk-and-log' hypocrisy serving corporate profits over BCers' best interests AS ELECTED PUBLIC SERVANTS!

As such, you must be aware of the dangerous ongoing drought emergency across BC - directly caused & exacerbated by harmful ecocidal policies furthered by your govt.  And I shouldn't have to remind you of pre-election promises to apply the Old-growth Strategic Review report's recommendations for forestry reforms - marked 'URGENT' with good reason, i.e. per scientists' findings commissioned by your govt!  ON TOP OF good-faith election declarations to legislate Species At Risk protection within B.E.H.F. (Biodiversity & Ecosystem Health Framework)??

Reneging on these measures in favour of inaction is a huge betrayal by your govt. -  UNACCEPTABLE IN FACT!   It's as if we've been abandoned - denied decision-making rights+++ - by glib officials who openly pander to U.S./ multi-nat'l/ billionaire corporate lobbyists:  NOT what BC needs or wants!  No wonder your corrupt Conservative 'opponents' have gained undue support from gullible BCers who are understandably disappointed by your obvs. lack of caring or leadership.

The only way to make this right is to honour your intentions & prioritize B.C.'s globally-rare natural ecosystems, now & in future, by getting back to work on 'Just Transition':  finalizing legislation of BC's Species at Risk act, applying the OldGrowth Strategic Review recommendations & ratifying our urgently-needed B.E.H.F. laws = PROVEN SOLUTIONS for a thriving future.  Making deals with U.S. billionaires tied to Trump's resource-grabbing sweeps are NOT THE WAY TO MAKE CANADA STRONG!

I must also strongly suggest you put new rules in place that restrict the corrupting influence of corporate lobbyists on govt law-making, by limiting their unaccountable access to MPs' official duties.

Thank you very much,

[SaRah ChesTeRman]

On EncounTeRing BEARS.. by a seasoned BC nature-lover

[Re-published from July 21, 2021]

I was compelled to write this in response to disturbing reports of (what should be rare) attacks by bears on humans here in BC's Lower Mainland - the worst part of which, for me, has been subsequent interviews with 'attackees' revealing they'd followed common advice they'd read in the media.

I can't help being concerned that irresponsible misinformation is so widely dispensed.  As a hiker/ naturalist BCer for whom encountering bears - in the wilderness & at home - is an almost daily summer occurrence, I feel the need to set the record straight.. & hopefully prevent any more unnecessary attacks!

First, let's debunk the most obvious falsehood making the rounds: the "make-lots-of-noise-to-scare-off-a-bear-as-soon-as-you-spot-one" approach.  In my experience, this tactic is much likelier to provoke a bear attack than anything!  This is borne out in at least one recently-reported attack on a camper, who when questioned afterward said they "did the right thing & made lots of noise by banging on pots & pans" when they saw the bear.  Luckily they weren't harmed.  But if they hadn't followed such bad advice in the first place, chances are the encounter would have been uneventful.

Making yourself visible to a bear - without making unnecessary noise - is, I've found, the best & easiest way to ensure any encounters with bears are incident-free.  Usually bears will either keep doing what they're doing, or turn & amble off in the opposite direction as soon as they see you.

It helps to know that bears are considered 'apex predators' (although black bears - most often seen here - are the shyest & least predatory of all bears).  Which brings us to the next misconception rattled off in the rags:  that mama bears are especially vicious with their young in tow.  Of course mama bears are protective of their cubs.  But unlike prey mammals (eg. deer/ mice) bears live a relatively threat-free existence; hence their laid-back demeanor.  That doesn't mean a mama won't lash out if you try to approach and/or lure one of her roly-poly cuddle-cubs (which is not only illegal; it's dumb AF!)  But as long as you keep to yourself, you won't be seen as a threat.

*  *  *  *

Bears' biggest threat is habitat loss by human industries like logging, as they need intact old-growth forests to thrive & hibernate in dens over winter.  Join groups like Wilderness Committee & Sierra Club & Wildlife Foundation to help campaign our govts to prioritize BC nature & #SaveOldGrowth & #SpeciesAtRisk+++. & vote for the party that serves peops not pulluters:  i.e. GREENS. (The rest are corrupt/ criminal)

*  *  *  *

Another thing to remember is that bears are omnivores, so they'll get used to eating whatever's most abundant & available - including human food, unfortch.  It's sad when people think it's OK to offer food to wild bears - despite being repeatedly WARNED NOT TO FEED WILDLIFE. Inadvertently (by leaving garbage accessible/ BBQs uncleaned etc.) or not, feeding wildlife can quickly turn them into nuisances, & more likely to be killed by authorities.

So it's CRITICAL to keep your home & yard free from food, scraps or waste - & to NEVER offer food to a bear:  once they equate humans with reliable food sources, they lose their fear of people & will return to the same spot yearly to forage, often becoming aggressive when defending food.

You can find out more fascinating facts about these solitary creatures here:

treehugger.com/surprising-facts-about-black-bears

If you DO startle a bear at close range (uncommon, as their hearing is better than ours - & with their excellent vision they'll probably see you first & will likely lumber away) DON'T make lots of noise - that may provoke her!  It's best to STAY CALM & let her wander off.  If she doesn't, or moves toward you, don't panic.  Back out of her way, while talking in a low steady voice & facing her the whole time.. without making a fuss!

Bears are experts at sensing fear & threats:  as long as you don't run at it or start screaming or some other startling behavior, bears will in most cases go about their business & ignore you (unless you have unwrapped food on you - NOT recommended!)  Chances are, they've a date with a berry bush/ mulberry tree top of mind & won't be easily deterred:  give it a wide berth/ get outa the way & you should be OK!

After countless positive encounters with bears, I can vouch for these tips to ensure your (& bears') safety here in  Bear Country:

(a) REMAIN CALM at all times. 

(b) Remember you're in their territory (even at home), so be aware & respectful always - of ALL wildlife.  If you have fruit trees they can access, leave them alone if you don't mind bears on your property (you can't blame them for finding their very fave desserts to eat!)  Believe me, coexisting is your least stressful option - & bonus:  they're fun to watch from afar. 

(c) When on hikes/ walks in the woods, never stray from designated paths & walkways.  Talk in a normal voice to alert bears of your presence.  Just like you, bears can find loud obtrusive noises irritating, esp. around their young.  From their p.o.v. the goal is to silence the noise - by attacking it!

(d) Just because a bear lumbers away on first seeing you, doesn't mean it's afraid:  it's instinctual.  So if you try & intimidate a bear by confronting it/ imitating it/ roaring loudly/ standing up to it (as some dumb sites advise) the bear may take your behavior as a challenge/ threat, & be provoked to attack! 

(e) Keep all food well-wrapped, & use bear-proof bins & garbage cans outdoors.  At home, decommission bird feeders & bring indoors until fall, when bears go to hibernate over winter.

(f) The main thing to keep in mind is:  yes bears are bigger & stronger than you, but their chief concerns are food (& more food) & their own families.  As long as you don't deter their access/ attention to either, there's no need to freak when encountering bears - say hi & move on.. & they'll likely do the same (even acknowledge you with a lazy 'wassap' nod before resuming as before)🌳

(g)  DON'T push your luck by trying to get a snapshot if it's close enough to lunge at you/ your camera:  you're still a potential intruder in its space!  Best to keep your distance when photographing these gorgeous critters - you can always ZOOM IN.  Or wait until next time, when you're more prepared.