Dear Editor:
Re: Trail Users Sickened by Mass Tree Kill, March 2 front-page story.
Like Melanie and Derek Rockhill, and many environmentalists, and concerned nature lovers who regularly use the Baden Powell Trail, I am thoroughly disgusted by BC Hydro’s massive girdling of trees in the area. From your excellent article we are led to believe that BC Hydro’s decision to kill off more than 100 coniferous trees was made strictly “for safety reasons” and, according to BC Hydro’s spokeswoman, Mora Scott, “to retain as much cover as possible, and create fallen (and thus rotting) trees that provide habitats for small mammals and birds.”
Pardon me if several clichés spring to mind, like throwing out the baby with the bathwater, and cutting one’s nose to spite one’s face.
Scott also assured your reporter, Brent Richter, that the girdling decision was made after careful consideration by “a biologist, forester and certified arborist.” But who are these people? Were they employed or contracted by BC Hydro or completely objective and independent? The fact that no environmental organizations, concerned citizen groups or even qualified environmental officers like Richard Boase were consulted speaks again volumes about the hubris of a major company. Might is right, comes to mind.
And as far as the safety issue is concerned, will the Baden Powell Trail from now on be littered with signs like “Danger! Falling Trees!” “Mud Slides Ahead!” or “Jack up Your Life Insurance!”?
Let’s hope that from now on, major organizations like Hydro, et al. will see the trees for the forest and not make similar dreadful (and sneaky) mistakes.
Robert Bosshardt
North Vancouver
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