News 2013 - Elphinstone Logging Focus

About ELF
Campaigns
- Expand Elphinstone Park
- The Mt. Elphinstone Water Protection Forest
- SongBird Forest: ts’ukw’um (Wilson) Watershed – Sunshine Coast Region
- Ɂiy shenchu (Trout Lake) Forest
- Dakota Bear Sanctuary Needs Protection
  - DBBS – Chronology of Commissioned Research Reports:
  - DBBS – Campaign Status – Chronology – Background Update
- Save The Wilson Legacy Forest
- Help Protect the Reed Road Forest Reserve
- Campaign Victories – Key Forest Areas Protected[highlight]Elphinstone Logging Focus Society (ELF) is pleased to announce the following Campaign Victories to Protect Key Forest and Habitat on the Sunshine Coast. ELF wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks to ALL members of the community that helped in these ‘Key Forest and Habitat Protection Efforts’.[/highlight] [hr] Area: Dakota Ridge Ancient Forest (TSL:A87124), Cutblocks WC045, WC022 Location: These two cutlocks are each approximately 17Ha in size and are located on either side of the Rec Area access road, below the Dakota Ridge Recreation Area- an approximate 25 minute drive from Wilson Creek along Field Road and up the forest service road. Protection: OGMA (Old Growth Management Area) Status Granted by the Minister of Forests Date: February/March 2012 Details: Please see the Individual Campaign Tabs in this section of the website for more ictures and more details Special Note: Still remaining to be protected is the third cutblock within this TSL (Timber Sales Licence), Cutblock DK045 (‘The Roberts Creek Headwaters Old Growth Ancient Forest’), this Cutblock is an approximate 30 minute drive up the B&K Rd from the highway turnoff near Roberts Creek. More Information Coming Soon.
- Protect the Chapman Creek Drinking Watershed
- Save the Tree of Life Forest
- No More Logging in ts’ukw’um (Wilson Creek) Watershed
- Protect Elphinstone Community Health Trail
- The Day Road ForestTHE DAY RD FOREST – ROBERTS CREEK- COULD BE LOGGED BY ISLAND TIMBERLANDS The past 2 years has seen Island Timberlands (IT) busy logging several Sunshine Coast sites directly above the community of Roberts Creek in the inter-urban forest zone. IT’s private forest lands that were logged in 2010 and 2011 include: District Lot or DL 2387 (Upper Grauman Rd & Mid-Gough Creek), DL 1505 (Clover Rd), and DL 2674 (Brodie Trail, west of the B&K Rd). IT now has only 2 partially un-logged parcels left in the area: Upper Gough Creek (part of DL 2387) and The Day Rd Forests (part of DL2674). The Day Rd Forest is the most heavily used recreational area of the 2, is an important wildlife corridor, contains old forest patches and is nearby to the Mt Elphinstone Provincial Park system. Island Timberlands is logging in several contentious areas across British Columbia, including a high profile situation on Cortes Island where local residents are attempting to purchase an IT held forest at the BC Assessed land value to preserve the integrity of sensitive wetlands, old growth trees and a well used trail system. In 2011, many Sunshine Coast residents were alarmed to discover that…
- Campaigns Won – Saved
  - Protect Roberts Creek Headwaters Ancient Forest LOGGING IN ROBERTS CREEK HEADWATERS PLANNED BY BC TIMBER SALES FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 20, 2012 Elphinstone Logging Focus (ELF) has conducted an expedition into the headwaters of Roberts Creek (Sunshine Coast) and located a proposed BC Timber Sales Cutblock A84612 (DK045). There are 2 headwater tributaries in this area that make up the main channel of Roberts Creek which eventually flows into the Salish Sea. One of the tributaries that ELF followed runs off the back side of Mt. Elphinstone. The surveyed cutblock and logging road is across steep terrain and encompasses an Age Class 9 (old growth) forest. “From studying maps we found out that the cutblock is located between 2 Wildlife Habitat Areas (WHA). The BCTS logging would split this WHA in half”, states Ross Muirhead of Elphinstone Logging Focus (ELF) a Sunshine Coast forest protection group. “This WHA was established to protect the Marbled Murrelet seabird which nests only in old- growth forests. Outside of this proposed cutblock and the WHA, the majority of the surrounding Age Classes on the high slopes of Mt. Elphinstone are rated at Age Class 2 – between 20-40 years old. This is the closest old growth yellow cedar to Highway…
    - Status Updates RCHAF (cutblock DK045)Date: September 12, 2012, Reconaissance trip to Dakota Bowl (past the RCHAF, Cutblock DK045) and the cutblocks of BCTS TSL: A79517 finds major bridge and road construction on the road passing through the Roberts Creek Headwaters Ancient Forest. Fish were disturbed, found and trapped for this construction. Note before and after pictures. [hr] Date: August 7, 2012, Nicholas Simons, MLA, Powell River/ Sunshine Coast visits Roberts Creek, the RC Headwaters Ancient Forest and Wilson Creek Forest (see separate Campaign) and expresses his concerns for protecting and preserving both of these forest for their multiple qualities and long-term values for the community. See Pictures below (click to enlarge). [gallery link="file" columns="2"]
  - Protect the McNeill Lake Drinking WatershedLOGGING PLANNED IN S. PENDER HARBOUR’S DRINKING WATERSHED FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 17, 2013 Elphinstone Logging Focus (ELF) has learnt that logging in South Pender Harbour’s Community Drinking Watershed could begin Spring 2013 without adequate public input, and knowledge of the water purveyor, The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD). BC Timber Sales’ (BCTS) Cutblock A89069 is an area of 30 Ha with the “majority” being located in the McNeil Lake Community Drinking Watershed. There are 5 separate cutblocks in TSL 89069 – 3 of them being directly in the watershed boundaries. Ownership and operation of the South Pender Harbour Water System was assumed by the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) in 2008. It provides potable water to approximately 2,300 residents in the Madeira Park andFrances Peninsula areas. The source of supply is from McNeil Lake and the water intake is on Haslam Creek. “Logging in the McNeil Lake Community Watershed should be of great concern to the residents who rely on the water for their domestic consumption.” Ross Muirhead of ELF states. “BCTS is setting the low price of the timber sale at $500,000. The long-term damages to the drinking water could easily exceed the gross revenue of the timber sale. The least that BCTS can do is cancel the 3 blocks that…
  - Save Dakota Ridge Ancient Forests
    - Status – TSL:A84612 – Dakota RidgeStatus Report: – TSL: A84612 – The Dakota Ridge Ancient Forests (below the Dakota Ridge Recreation Area) Date: September 26, 2011 – logging is still under deferment pending archaeology survey and final decision of the Ministry of Forestry. Take Action: It is not too late to make your voice heard to save these forests. Follow the Get Involved` tab and then Take Action“ tab to write an email – Everything is there to make it easy for you. It will only take 3 minutes!
    - Executive Summary – Top Reasons To Save Dakota RidgeHelp Us Save the Dakota Ridge Ancient Forests – NOW! Top reasons why the Dakota Ridge Ancient Forest (TSL: A84612) should be protected from proposed logging by the Ministry of Forests: 7. Home of many of the ‘Oldest Trees in Canada’ and perhaps the longest living tree in Canada. The newly discovered ‘Giant Twin’ at Dakota Ridge Forest surpasses the diameter of the 1,835 year old, longest living tree on record from the Caren Range (similar altitude and eco-system as Dakota Ridge) that was tragically cut down prior to being granted Park status in the 1990s. 6. Marbled Murrelet (Threatened Species) Nesting Habitat. They only nest in the mossy branches of Ancient Forests (the Reason why the Caren Range was saved and formed into a Provincial Park). 5. It offers increased recreational and tourism opportunities for the Sunshine Coast’s growing Dakota Ridge Winter Recreation Cross-country ski area such as snowshoeing and 1st Nations cultural tours. Now developed as a winter sports destination, Dakota Ridge provides opportunities for the growing summer recreational activities in the area and has excellent potential as a summer recreation site. The resources which have been invested in road access and buildings just above cut block A84612…
    - RCOCPC Letter to MoF – Cut Block A84612 should not be harvested
    - Sechelt Band-Presentation-Ancient Forest on Dakota RidgeSechelt Band – Presentation on Ancient Forest on Dakota Ridge
    - Area Map of the Dakota Ridge Ancient Forest (TSL:A84612)+ Rec. Area
- Campaigns Lost – Logged
  - Save the Clack Creek Gallery Forest – (BCTS) TSL A87126 Cutblock Forest Logged – February 2020)
  - Protect the Chanterelle Forest (LOST January 2018)
  - Protect The Twist and Shout Forest (FOREST LOGGED – Oct. 2016)
  - Save the Wilson Creek Forest Now (FOREST LOGGED – Dec. 2012) These Forests Are Worth Saving and We Need Your Help. At December 8, 2012 Logging Has Commenced on this ‘Jewel’ of a forest – – YOUR Community Forest- WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW to Stop this destruction of ‘our’ community forest. See – Ed Hill’s work of art ‘The Community Forest‘ from his ‘Artist Gathering’ visit to the Wilson Creek Forest. [button link="https://loggingfocus.org/get-involved/take-action-2/" bg_color="#03A513"]Click Here To Take Action Now[/button] Continued from the Home Page Introduction…Read more below… [fbshare type="button"] [fblike style="standard" showfaces="false" width="350" verb="Like" font="arial"] [highlight]The Wilson Creek Forest, also known as cutblock EW002, is a beautiful low elevation 27ha forest directly above the community of Wilson Creek. The Wilson Creek Forest, just a 10 minute drive from Roberts Creek (directions at bottom of this page), is a key forest area providing connectivity across the lower slopes of the Mt. Elphinstone area. This Forest is one of the last remaining intact, natural forests left in the Wilson Creek Watershed and provides more long-term benefits to the community left standing than logged.[/highlight] See – Ed Hill’s work of art ‘The Community Forest‘ from his ‘Artist Gathering’ visit to the Wilson Creek Forest. Read – The Community Mobilizes at the DoS Offices…
    - Status Report: Wilson Creek Forest (EW002)Status Report: Wilson Creek Forest(EW002) Date: September 26, 2011 – logging is still under deferment pending further community input, CWAP survey and final decision by District of Sechelt – Mayor and Council. (District of Sechelt is the 100% owner of the logging company, SCCF – Sunshine Coast Community Forest, set to log this area) Deferment Notice – SCCF: Press Release May 31 2011 – Deferral Take Action: It is not too late to make your voice heard to save this forest. Follow the `Get Involved` tab and then `Take Action` tab to write an email – Everything is there to make it easy for you. It will only take 3 minutes!
    - Executive Summary – Top Reasons To Save Wilson Creek Forest Help Us Save the Wilson Creek Forest – Today! Top reasons why the Wilson Creek Forest (Cutblock: EW002) should be protected from proposed logging by the Sunshine Coast Community Forest logging company (100% owned by District of Sechelt): 5. Heavily logged out watershed that requires all intact forests to be left in their natural state to heal the damage. 4. Serves as an important connection between 2 existing Old Growth Management Areas (OGMA). Removing it is poor land use planning. 3. Is a key parcel in the proposed 1,500Ha Mt Elphinstone Provincial Park Expansion. 2. Has more long-term value to the community left intact providing on-going environmental services. And the Number 1 reason for full protection of the Wilson Creek Forest: Maturing, old growth Coastal Douglas-fir forests is At Risk and threatened eco-system province-wide. We cannot do this alone and we need your help. [highlight]An Easy Way For You to Make a Difference Right Now is to Just follow Our Easy 3 minute ‘Take Action Now Steps’ to Send an Email and Message (suggested message provided) to the People Related to the Specific Campaign(s) (also listed).[/highlight] [button link="https://loggingfocus.org/get-involved/take-action-2/" bg_color="#03A513"]Click Here To Take Action Now[/button] Go to www.loggingfocus.org >Get Involved…
    - Research – Wilson Creek Forest (EW002)Top 5 reasons why Wilson Creek Forest should be protected: 5.Heavily logged out watershed that requires all intact forests to be left in their natural state to heal the damage. 4. Serves as an important connection between 2 existing Old Growth Management Areas (OGMA). Removing it is poor land use planning. 3. Is a key parcel in the proposed 1,500Ha Mt Elphinstone Provincial Park Expansion. 2. Has more long-term value to the community left intact providing on-going environmental services. And the Number 1 reason for full protection of the Wilson Creek Forest: Maturing, old growth Coastal Douglas-fir forests is At Risk and threatened eco-system province-wide. [hr] SCCF Operations Plan and ELF critique (ver.2)
    - RCPC Letter to Mayor & Council, District of Sechelt – EW002 should not be loggedMayor of the District of Sechelt-MD -April 4, 2011 Summary: In a April 4, 2011 letter to District of Sechelt; Mayor Inkster and Councillors from the Roberts Creek Community Association regarding the 27 hectare Block EW002 (the Wilson Creek Forest) and any other remaining intact forest in the Wilson Creek Watershed. [quote] the only wise and informed option for us is to insist the District of Sechelt immediately halt planned logging activities in Block EW002 and any other remaining intact forest in the Wilson Creek Watershed [/quote]
    - Support letter from DB-WC-SP Community Assoc.[quote]the Davis Bay-Wilson Creek-Selma Park Community Association passes a Motion to request an immediate halt to the planned logging of Block EW002 by the Sunshine Coast Community Forest Logging Company and to express the concern of the Community about continued logging of any kind in the Wilson Creek Watershed.[/quote] The letter to Minister of Forests, District of Sechelt Mayor & Council and Sunshine Coast Community Forests can be read in its entirety at the link below. DBWCSP Comm. Assoc. letter
    - Area Map – Wilson Creek Forest(EW002)The attached pdf area map displays the Wilson Creek Forest Cutblock (EW002): Map of CF Block EW002 in Wilson Creek Watershed
  - Help Protect the TrailFest-Wagon Forest These Forests Are Worth Saving and We Need Your Help. [button link="https://loggingfocus.org/get-involved/take-action-2/" bg_color="#03A513"]Click Here To Take Action Now[/button] Continued from the Home Page Introduction… Read more below… [fbshare type="button"] [fblike style="standard" showfaces="false" width="350" verb="Like" font="arial"] BC Timber Sales (BCTS) is planning on clear-cutting the TrailFest-Wagon Forest (TSL:A87124). This forest is important as it is a key northern boundary forest in the proposed Mt. Elphinstone Prov. Park expansion area. The section contains many key mountain bike and historic skid road trails, including the popular Caroline’s Connector. If the logging proceeds it will join up with the massive CNI 160 Ha (400 acre) clear-cut on its northern boundary. We all must contact the BCTS Forest Planner in charge and strongly request no more logging of intact forest lands in the park expansion boundaries. Email Norm Kempe at: norm.Kempe@gov.bc.ca These Forests Are Worth Saving and We Need Your Help. Your Voice Counts! [button link="https://loggingfocus.org/get-involved/take-action-2/" bg_color="#03A513"]Click Here To Take Action Now[/button] [fbshare type="button"] [fblike style="standard" showfaces="false" width="450" verb="recommend" font="arial"]
    - Status Report – Cutblock A87124 – TrailFest Wagon Forest Date: February 10, 2012 Status: This Forest – a key northern forest in the proposed Elphinstone Park Expansion is severely threatened for Logging Sale by February 29th, 2012. Please read the letters below and the current articles in the News and Media sections of the website and take action by going to the Get Involved tab and Take Action section. It will only take you three minutes to send an email to make a difference in saving this forest. All emails and sample messages are there for you to copy and paste into your email. [hr] Date: February 6, 2012 Defer Sale of TSL A87124 – Trail Fest Wagon Forest – Penner- ELF email to Deputy Minister Jensen [hr] Date: February 3, 2012 RCCA – Roberts Creek Community Association RCCA expresses extreme concern over possible sale of BCTS Cutblock #A87124 [hr]
      - Problems with BCTS A87124Date: February 27, 2012 Elphinstone Logging Focus (ELF) – Field Study Results & Comments on the Hydrological Recovery of Adjacent Clearcut Areas to BCTS proposed A87124 [highlight](Results letter in pdf form and Picture Gallery of Study below)[/highlight] On February 26th, volunteers with Elphinstone Logging Focus (ELF) walked the interface zone between BCTS A87124 (TrailFest-Wagon Forest) and its two (2) adjoining cutblocks: BCTS A87106 and the former CNI cutblock. The purpose of this field study was to examine the re-growth in these areas to see if they meet a MOF requirement for allowing a new cutblock to proceed that is adjacent to previously cut areas. ELF has concluded that the adjacent cutblocks are non-conforming, due to insufficient green-up, water saturation problems and riparian issues with the headwaters of East Wilson Creek. It’s our estimation that 95% of the clear-cut areas do not support trees 3M or higher, saturated soils dominate the interface zone and since logging has impacted the East Wilson Creek riparian zone that borders A87124 the situation here is critical. To read the two page report/letter to BCTS please click on the link here and view the Picture Gallery below. Field Study CNI & BCTS block interface zone to…
  - Protect Lower Elphinstone Slopes
    - Protect Gough Creek (Frog WHA)
    - Events, Trail Walks and Trail Building…
      - Trail Walks
      - Legal – Liability Release Form
- Forestry Watch
  - TrailFest – Wagon Forest – post logging
  - BCTS slash pile burning on B+K Rd. above Roberts CreekOctober 14, 2011 |Sunshine Coast| Roberts Creek Ongoing BCTS cut block slash pile burning is harming our air quality and contributing to global warming. BCTS is burning multiple cut block slash (logs and debris) piles on a recently logged cut block up the B+K Rd, 3.6 km above the coastal highway at Roberts Creek and just above the Elphinstone Provincial Park (See Attached Pictures). This is the way logged areas are ‘cleaned up’ by burning the multiple piles of logs and debris that are left behind after logging. Elphinstone Logging Focus Asks the Following Questions: What about the Roberts Creek burning bylaw? Who is measuring the carbon output on this? What about Global warming and our air quality? While residents need to obey the burning bylaw (SCRD has back yard burning restrictions in place) BCTS is burning multiple slash piles, on just one of its recent cut blocks, 3.6 km above Roberts Creek on the B+K Rd. Should not the local level of government (SCRD) be in control of monitoring air emissions and issuing burn permits? Are not governments supposed to lead by example? What is wrong with this picture? We as residents are all doing our part to improve the air quality…
  - Google Earth – Cutblocks – Sunshine Coast
  - BCTS Cutblock A42706 – Damages Protected Area FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 10, 2011 A BC Timber Sales (BCTS) cut-block, near Roberts Creek on the Sunshine Coast, has severely impacted an Old Growth Management Area (OGMA) – a protected zone set aside by The Ministry of Forests, Lands, & Natural Resource Operations. On the lower slopes of Mt Elphinstone, a remnant old-growth forest protected as an OGMA, has had large numbers of trees from an adjacent BCTS Cutblock A42706 fall into its boundary affecting its long-term integrity. The OGMA, located within the Gough Creek watershed, contains many old-growth features including tall (220ft) Douglas Firs as old as 500 years, nurse logs spanning 100’s ft in length, dead standing wildlife trees, and several trees that have grown unique root structures securing them to steep slopes. As many as 50 trees from the cut-block have been up rooted by high winds and fallen into the OGMA zone. The trees, mainly cedar, were part of a narrow WTP (wildlife tree patch) strip growing along the top of bank to the OGMA. Other trees in the OGMA were knocked over like dominos. Ross Muirhead of ELF states, “It didn’t take long for this BCTS block to experience significant blow-down on its western…
  - Protect the Schmidt Creek Watershed – Killer Whale Rubbing Beach
  - BCTS Cutblock A71827 – collateral damage
  - Cutblock A42700 Between Clack & Gough CreekCutblock A42700 Between Clack & Gough Ck
Research Reports
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- 1990s
ELF Reports
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Resources
- BCTS 5 Year Plans 2022 – 2026
- BCTS 5 Year Plan 2023 – 2027 – Mount Elphinstone
- BCTS – Updates
- SCCF Operating Plan
  - Block List
  - Block List – Public Feedback
- Engagement Plan for South Elphinstone – 2022
- Assessment of the Burnett Creek Tributary Landslide
- ELF – Useful Resources
- Elphinstone Medicinal Plants
- Forest Related Research
- Maps
  - BC Gov Old Growth Maps
  - Sunshine Coast Forest District
  - Sunshine Coast Landscape Unit – OGMA – BioGeoClimatic Zones
  - BEO Zone Maps – biogeoclimate forest zones on the Sunshine Coast.
  - Sunshine Coast-remaining natural forests
  - OGMAs in Howe and Chapman Landscape Units
  - Google Earth – Maps – Dakota Bowl Watershed
  - Google Earth – Maps – Dakota RidgeThe following Google Earth image shows the close proximatey of the Dakota Ridge Recreation Area to the proposed TSL:A84612 cutblocks of the Ministry of Forestry. For the many reasons layed out within the website the Dakota Ridge Ancient Forest need to be saved to become part of a protected area and enjoyed by all.
  - Google Earth – Maps – Wilson Creek Forest (EW002)Wilson Creek Forest is situated on the lower slopes of Mt Elphinstone a short 10 minute drive from the Hwy 101 intersection at Roberts Creek. It sits directly above the Wilson Creek Plaza. As these pictures show it is one of the few remaining intact forests close to an urban center. It is an Inter-Urban Forest never before logged. It contains many old-growth features, including beautiful stands of tall, old Coastal Douglas-firs. The Wilson Creek Forest is on the books of Sunshine Coast Community Forests (SCCF) to be logged. A stay of execution was ordered until further studies are undertaken. Directly below this forest is an 2010 Island Timberlands clearcut, and above it are a series of BCTS blocks. If this patch of forest was allowed to be logged, it would link up clear-cuts to the north and south, creating a massive logged out area. The Wilson Creek Watershed has experienced 50-60% forest cover loss which should trigger a moratorium on all future logging. Over logged watersheds are known to lead to wild fluctuations in water flow levels which leads to bank instability, increased sediment levels and because Wilson Creek is a salmon bearing stream it all adds up to a…
  - Google Earth – Maps – Mt Elphinstone AreaThis aerial view (provided by Google Maps) shows the extent of logging on the lower slopes of the Mt Elphinstone area, above the village of Roberts Creek. The largest of the clearcuts is the infamous 160Ha (400 acre) CNI (Columbia National Investments) cutblock on their private lands. CNI was later charged on a fisheries violation for logging completely through a fish bearing stream. The other cutblocks seen are BC Timber Sales clearcuts. A proposed BCTS Block A87124 would connect up with the CNI clearcut on its southern boundary, adding to the total de-forested area.
  - Community Interface Zone – Closely Matches Park ExpansionCheck out the map link below in pdf form and see how closely the Ministry of Forests ‘Community Interface Zone’ in Roberts Creek matches our proposed Park Expansion. Regarding the proposed Elphinstone Park expansion it is interesting to note that the proposed expanded boundaries of the park match very closely an area above Roberts Creek identified on a Ministry of Forests map as a ‘Community Interface Zone’. In other words an area where the Ministry of Forests has for some time recognized that there is an overlap of logging interests and Community Interests such as recreation, environmental protection, water source protection, etc. Surely the Community and Environmental values far outweigh the short term value of clear cut logging in this Zone. Another reason in favour Elphinstone Park Expansion Proposal. Map Community Interface Zone
  - Age Class Maps
  - Area Maps – 5 Year Logging Plans
  - Community Forest Logging Maps
  - shíshálh Nation swiya Map
- Gibsons Integrated Stormwater Management Planning
- LRUP (Local Resource Use Plan) – call for moratorium on BCTS cutblocks…Sunshine Coast residents are upset watching the 1,500Ha lower slopes of Mt. Elphinstone being logged out. Sure trees grow back, however I want to express that BC Timber Sales’ plan to turn this, high-value multi-use area, into a continuous series of tree farms is unacceptable based on several environmental and economic reasons. This area has a few isolated forest patches protected, i.e.: the 139Ha Elphinstone Prov. Park (along with some surrounding OGMAs) while logging of the last remaining intact forests continues. The 1,500Ha mountain slopes is used by a diverse set of stakeholders, but the area is being compromised by a lack of an integrated plan. This situation calls for a LRUP (Land Resource Unit Plan), so that increasing tensions can be resolved. After the popular TrailFest-Wagon Forest was logged, it became clear that the public is not being listened to. BCTS was approached to find 27Ha (the cutblock size) outside of the 1,500 lower slopes as a solution, however our voices went unanswered. The public (including 1st Nations) must be invited to roundtable meetings to discuss and resolve this land use management problem. Its essential to impose a moratorium on all future BCTS cutblocks planned within the 1,500Ha area…
- Mount Elphinstone – History of Conflict 1983 Logging on Mt Elphinstone causes disastrous flooding in neighbouring residential area during heavy rains. 1985: B.C. Ministry of Forests ( MoF ) sets up a short-lived Elphinstone Local Resource Use Plan( LRUP ) process that excludes community involvement. MoF continues to issue logging permits on Mt. Elphinstone. 1990: MoF plans to spray herbicides in clearcuts within Mt. Elphinstone domestic watersheds. Local residents successfully blockade the attempt. 1991: MoF resurrects the Elphinstone LRUP process. MoF refuses to participate in public meetings. Community members form a Concerned Coast Residents group and submit a silviculture plan to the LRUP. MoF rejects their proposal and continuous to allow industrial logging on Mt. Elphinstone. 1992: Mof opens the LRUP process to local input and makes assurances “that nothing will happen” without the “sanction” of the LRUP committee. 1993: MoF advertises Mt. Elphinstone cut blocks and continues to allow road building and logging without LRUP committee report. 1993: MoF places arsenic-treated structures in Flume Creek, the source of water for more than thirty licensed water users in the Elphinstone area. 1994: Concerned Coast Residents, Elphinstone Electors, Roberts Creek Community Association and Forest Watch members re-state their concerns regarding clean water, biodiversity and sustainable jobs…
- Overview of Community ForestAttribution: The Following overview is taken from the SCCA (Sunshine Coast Conservation Association) Introduction The Sechelt Community Forest is a logging company. It is licensed by the provincial government to log within certain mandated areas and required to meet a minimum annual cut. This business venture is owned by a single shareholder – the District of Sechelt. Although the District claims to maintain an “arms-length” relationship, we suspect that the purpose of this policy is to insulate the District of Sechelt from public pressure related to the community forest. A History of Public Concerns Ignored The SCCA is not categorically opposed to community forests, per se. We were the original proponents of community forestry in the Sunshine Coast Regional District, and so we were very interested when the District of Sechelt announced its intention to apply for a “probationary community forest agreement” in 2003. Unfortunately, it soon became obvious that the District’s application was entirely about opening up the Chapman/Gray drinking watershed (and other sensitive areas) to logging and that the District did not intend to genuinely consider the concerns of the community about this. Just about everyone imaginable (including the Sechelt Indian Band, the SCRD, the Town of Gibsons,…
- Economic Value Ecosystems Provide[gallery link="file" columns="1"] Article: Vancouver Sun – October 28, 2010 David Susuki Foundation and Pacific Parklands Foundation – Report Examines the extent of the regions ‘natural capital’ – forests, fields, wetlands, watersheds and other ecosystems and estimates the economic values the ecosyetms provide. The study found that the ecosystems with the highest values are wetlands($4,000 to $6,000 per hectare) and forest ($5,900 to $7,400 per hectare)per year…..
- Ancient Forests – the Canopy – EcosystemsTED Talks – Richard Preston on the giant trees http://www.ted.com/talks/richard_preston_on_the_giant_trees.html Science writer Richard Preston talks about some of the most enormous living beings on the planet, the giant trees of the US Pacific Northwest. Growing from a tiny seed, they support vast ecosystems — and are still, largely, a mystery. TEDTalks2008 – Filmed Feb2008 [hr] TED Talks – Nalini Nadkarni on conserving the canopy. http://www.ted.com/talks/nalini_nadkani_on_conserving_the_canopy.html A unique ecosystem of plants, birds and monkeys thrives in the treetops of the rainforest. Nalini Nadkarni explores these canopy worlds — and shares her findings with the world below, through dance, art and bold partnerships. TEDTalks2009 – Filmed Feb2009 [hr]
- Suggested Reading-Books-PapersThe following are a suggested reading list of books, articles and papers on the forest and our environment. Feel free to contribute. Thanks. Reading List on Related Subjects – Rick O’Neal
- Forest Recreation
  - Mountain Biking On The Sunshine Coast
- Forest Bathing – Learn About the Health Benefits of Forests
- FAQQ: What Forest Service Map areas do Roberts Creek, Gibsons, Mt Elphinstone and Dakota Ridge fall under? A: They are all considered as being a part of the Chapman & Howe Landscape Units. [hr] Q: How much of the Sunshine Coast forests (Timber Supply Area – TSA) are protected? A: According to the MOF Public Discussion Paper – the Timber Supply Review that sets the AAC (annual allowable cut) only 2% of the whole area (which extends up into Desolation Sound) is set aside for parks and ecological reserves. Details: Sunshine Coast TSA core area= 1,560,426 hectares 2% of this is parks and ecological reserves (30,481 hectares) 4% of this is private land (62,129 hectares) 67% of this is non-forest (1,041,953 hectares) The remaining 27% is productive forest (425,863 hectares) Of this productive forest, approximately half or 222,894 hectares makes up the timber harvesting land base. Source: Ministry of Forests (MOF) , Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Sunshine Coast District
- Letters to the Editor – Sunshine Coast Community Forest (SCCF)
- Letters to the Editor – Elphinstone Park ExpansionOngoing letters (to the editor) of support and concern for the Elphinstone Park Expansion can be viewed by visting the CoastReporter and thelocal.ca online or by picking up a hard copy. Keep Your lettyers coming. Thank you.
- Media/ArticlesDakota Ridge Ancient Forests The following two articles on Dakota Ridge Ancient Forests have been taken from articles written by Heather Conn and can be seen and read in their entirety at her blog through the links below. Date: September 11, 2011 Giant-yellow-cedars-at-risk-on-Dakota-Ridge: Save-our-ancient-forests [hr] Date: January 23, 2011 A “living museum” on Mount Elphinstone could be logged It’s one thing to seek protection of old-growth forest for the purely theoretical and practical sake of conservation and sustainability. It’s another to stand beneath centuries-old cedars or Douglas firs and absorb their size and wonder in your heart and gut, witnessing the canopy and life they provide for so many creatures, big and small. At such times, it’s hard to imagine an ancient forest without all of its trees and flora and fauna that thrive in symbiosis, from a creek to the nurse logs to the mushrooms to the moss to the birds and so on. I still remember, decades ago, standing amidst the vast array of stumps of old-growth trees in the Carmanah Valley on Vancouver Island, B.C., feeling sickened by the gutted, clearcut landscape. Right next to it stood a thriving forest of cedars and firs. I stared at…
- VideosThis 8 minute video of the Wilson Creek Forest shows this beautiful forest in all its pristine glory and lays out the reasons why it needs to be protected from the threat of eminent logging. This never-before-logged area is just a 10 minute drive from Roberts Creek and has a wonderful community trail that winds down to the pristine and untouched forest edges of Wilson Creek. [highlight]It is the last large intact forest in the entire Wilson Creek Watershed and the key western most forest that lies within the proposed Elphinstone Park Expansion boundaries. Click the Button To See the Video[/highlight] Among its many important features, are a number of groves of the threatened Coastal Douglas-fir ecosystem which the government states are threatened province wide.This forest was under deferment(for further study) from being logged because of the efforts of many of the community, however the logging company has restated its intentions to log… this area is worth permanently saving…Click the Button To See the Video… we are sure you will agree…
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View the Latest News Releases Below
(We realize it is hard to keep track of all ongoing forest issues on the coast – In addition to the Important News Items listed by date and subject below, readers are also encouraged to read the Campaigns section and each Campaigns’ individual ‘Status Update’ tab. Additionally, Letters to the Editor for each Campaign can be viewed under the Media/ Articles section.

Ongoing news and full page articles on the Elphinstone Park Expansion are being written and published weekly in the local press. Click onThe Mt Elphinstone Park We Deserve to read a recent two page story on the issue. You can also can also go to the CoastReporter and thelocalweeklyonline or pick up a copy of the publication (Upon visiting these sites just search for ELF, Elphinstone Park Expansion or Elphinstone Logging Focus for a complete list of breaking news, new and past articles and Letters to the Editor).

To see current pictures and join in the conversation visit our facebook page here:

https://www.facebook.com/elphinstonelogging.focus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Release
November 25, 2013
‘Dakota Bowl Bear Sanctuary’ Lives Another Day

Elphinstone Logging Focus (ELF) is pleased to announce that a BC Timber Sales (BCTS) logging proposal (TFL A79517 – 50.4Ha, or 124.5 acres) in the Dakota Bowl Watershed (Sunshine Coast) failed to receive any bids from logging contractors. BCTS has removed the block until further notice. Since it was first posted, ELF had expressed concerns about the loss of this key old-growth forest and the way it was planned out.

ELF named this forest the ‘Dakota Bowl Bear Sanctuary’ after sighting a high number of potential and active bear den sites. This information triggered a Ministry of Environment biologist to conduct a bear den survey this past October. His report (pending) will examine bear den habitat conditions across the entire Howe landscape unit, and the role this forest plays in providing den options.

The closing date for BCTS to receive bids on A79517 was Thursday, November 21st. Late Thursday afternoon, ELF received an email from BCTS’ Forest Manager, Don Hudson stating: “We did not receive any bids today. We will likely retender next Spring”.

“This is excellent news, as it allows more time for the truth to be told about this forest zone.” Ross Muirhead of ELF says. “There could have been a number of factors why contractors chose not to bid on the block, including the high cost of road construction across very steep slopes to reach the ‘mountain-top’ logging portion of the block. Contractors could have faced big time erosion problems due to 100% slope cuts to gain a road bed. It could have gotten ugly, really fast up there in a rain storm leading to untold shut-downs.” “We also have new information about the forest ecology in here, including finding culturally-modified trees (CMT) – not recorded by BCTS, black bear den sites, record size Mountain Hemlocks, pristine mountain lakes, and the fact that it’s the largest remaining old-growth forest of its type (at this elevation) on the Sunshine Coast.” states Hans Penner of ELF.

“We will continue to lobby BCTS to remove this old-growth block from their plans and focus on harvesting in previously logged areas, of which there are plenty.”

For more information contact:
Elphinstone Logging Focus
604-740-5654
www.loggingfocus.org

To read the full press release in pdf format click here:

ELF Press Release Dakota Bowl Forest Lives Another Day

To see current pictures and join in the conversation visit our facebook page here:

https://www.facebook.com/elphinstonelogging.focus

To visit our Campaign page on this forest click here:

https://loggingfocus.org/campaigns/dakota-bowl-bear-sanctuary-needs-protection/

October 31, 2013
ELF Press Release New Information on Dakota Bowl Bear Sanctuary Logging
Background – Go to Campaign page here: https://loggingfocus.org/campaigns/dakota-bowl-bear-sanctuary-needs-protection/

October 30, 2013
At October 22, 2013 – Robert Creek Headwaters Ancient Forest – Receives Protection- THANK YOU
ELF Received notice from BCTS that they have removed DK045 from their harvest plans and will not be pursuing this area. BCTS says….”You advanced some compelling arguments for preserving this stand of timber that we considered and concluded had reasonable merit…”

ELF Press Release RC Headwaters Ancient Forest Protected

THANK YOU TO ALL THAT SUPPORTED US IN THE EFFORTS TO PROTECT THIS ANCIENT FOREST.

Background – Go to Campaign page here: https://loggingfocus.org/campaigns/protect-roberts-creek-headwaters-ancient-forest/

July 8, 2013
BC Timber Sales 2013 Logging Plans Presented

Elphinstone Logging Focus (ELF) has reviewed BC Timber Sales’ (BCTS) 2013 logging proposal for the Elphinstone and Dakota Bowl areas. The scope of the logging includes 3 cutblocks on the lower Elphinstone slopes, 2 cutblocks above Gibsons and 3 in Dakota Bowl. None are in tree farms, all are in maturing, intact and old-growth forests.

On June 13th, BCTS Staff met with ELF in Sechelt to review the plan, followed by meetings with Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD), and The Sechelt Indian Band.

The plan includes clearcut logging a former forestry research plot above the Roberts-Flume FSR, 2 blocks in the Clack Creek drainage, 2 blocks above Gibsons (one at the end of Reed Rd) and 3 blocks in Dakota Bowl, including ‘The Roberts Creek Headwaters Ancient Forest’.

“We are very concerned about the continued destruction of the Elphinstone forests and the ancient forests in Dakota Bowl by BCTS. Although we appreciate meeting with them, they were basically telling us what they planned to go ahead with, without due consideration of what our forest protection group is seeking.” states Ross Muirhead of ELF. “We told them that if they didn’t plant it – then they shouldn’t be logging it. BCTS keeps talking about their ‘harvesting plans’, to soften the impact of cutting valuable intact, older forests that provide many more key values, other than just producing 2 x 4’s and telephone poles”. Muirhead said.

“It’s alarming to us that BCTS wants to log 3 cutblocks in 1,500Ha Mt. Elphinstone Prov. Park expansion area that majority of residents support. Already 60% of the lower slopes have been logged. In another few years there won’t be anything left to protect.” Hans Penner of ELF remarks. “We proposed to BCTS to cooperate in a study that will outline the ‘highest and best use’ of these forests. BCTS agreed to entertain the idea. We have submitted a draft outline and we urge SCRD to also support it.” Penner adds.

The largest amount of forest cover lost would be in Dakota Bowl where 69Ha (170 acres) of very old, ancient forests (800-1,800 year old trees) would be logged in the sub-alpine.
For more information contact:
Elphinstone Logging Focus
604-740-5654
www.loggingfocus.org

To view in pdf format: ELF Press Release BCTS 2013 Plan-Final

June 25th, 2013
Extraordinary Number of Pacific Yews found in the Roberts Creek Ancient Forest
ELF Press Release Pacific Yews June 2013
Visit the Save the Roberts Creek Ancient Forest campaign Here.
Join us on upcoming trail Walks to some of the last close proximity Ancient, natural and old growth forest on the Elphinstone slopes – near Roberts Creek and Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. SEE Trail Walks.

January 17, 2013

LOGGING PLANNED IN S. PENDER HARBOUR’S DRINKING WATERSHED

Elphinstone Logging Focus (ELF) has learnt that logging in South Pender Harbour’s Community Drinking Watershed could begin Spring 2013 without adequate public input, and knowledge of the water purveyor, The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD).

See the Protect the McNeill Lake Drinking Watershed Campaign for full details and press release