Dear Editor:
Effective communication can accomplish much. A group of nature-lovers and conservationists was concerned about the clearing of vegetation beneath BC Hydro’s power lines in a North Vancouver wildlife corridor, and BC Hydro was contacted. Subsequently, an educational walk on the Richard Juryn trail was organized.
David Cook, a retired biologist and longtime volunteer with the North Shore Black Bear Society summarized his multi-year study of bear feeding habits in the area and shared his preliminary findings on the possible inverse relationship between the availability of natural food sources and the number of bear sightings in residential areas.
BC Hydro’s Martin Lundy and Rene Roddick explained their vegetation management decisions and procedures. In a cycle of three to five years, BC Hydro eliminates trees near its transmission and distribution power lines to reduce contact incidents and keep the public safe from electrical hazards. This year, BC Hydro also removed the debris under the power line by the Richard Juryn trail, removing a fire hazard and creating a fire break in a wildfire situation.
BC Hydro representatives left with a better understanding of resident and society concerns about preserving wildlife habitat, and the participants gained information about how and why vegetation management is completed by BC Hydro. It was a perfect example of how a good communication strategy can achieve positive results, including a commitment to work together in the future.
Christine Miller
North Shore Black Bear Society
What are your thoughts? Send us a letter via email by clicking here or post a comment below.