Emergency public meeting called to save hillside surrounding Cottonwood Regional Park from logging
By Nelson Daily Staff
A grassroots movement consisting concerned residents from Nelson and the Regional District of Central Kootenay Areas E, F & G are hosting a meeting Wednesday (December 19) beginning at 6 p.m. at the Rod and Gun Club aimed at finding an alternative to plans for extensive logging on private lands above Cottonwood Lake and Nelson Nordic Apex cross country ski area.
Organizer Andrew McBurney said in a media release the proposed harvest — slated to begin March 1 — will heavily impact the visual, recreational and environmental values of land that serves as the gateway to Nelson’s southern city limits, and the heavily travelled route to Whitewater Resort.
“Time is of the utmost importance,” McBurney said. “Logging is slated to begin before the end of this winter.”
“All of the timber, from the top of the ridge, right up to within five metres of Cottonwood Lake, could be logged, with no responsibility on behalf of the owner to re-forest or in any way remediate the slope,” McBurney added.
McBurney said land in question, located approximately 10 kilometers south of Nelson on Highway 6 is private land and is not subject to the BC Forest Practices Code, responsible for the stewardship of provincial crown land.
McBurney said, as reported in local media, the RDCK has been engaging the landowner, who is willing to negotiate a sale, in the hope of securing the timber/land for preservation.
“There’ll be plenty of open discussion and a civil exchange of ideas and possible solutions for saving this breathtaking place,” says McBurney. “This isn’t a meeting aimed at vilifying anyone. It’s an effort to find a win-win for everyone involved, with the help of local and regional government and the public.”
A number speakers, including RDCK directors, members of Nelson city council, Village of Salmo and local business owners, will be in attendance to discuss all aspects of this issue, including how the purchase would be made and which various branches of government are involved.
Other topics include:
- the impact on adventure tourism/existing recreational venues, our economy and Nelson’s international reputation
- slope/avalanche instability and downstream impact on the creek, related water sources and property
- the environmental importance of the wetlands/riparian areas along the lake
- the further impact on abundant wildlife and fish environs, including grizzly habitat
The meeting is scheduled to run from 6-8 p.m., at the Nelson District Rod and Gun Club at 801 Railway Street.
McBurney encourages the public to attend to help solve this growing problem. “Because once the Cottonwood Slopes are gone, they’re gone for good.”
A bird’s-eye view of Cottonwood Park.
