‘We need a Change of Heart’
Early Thursday (January 30) morning, 50 forest lovers marched into the sunrise to show solidarity and love for Clack Creek Forest. The “March of Hearts” was led in song by a local choir as supporters of an expanded Mt Elphinstone Provincial Park walked to the site of the 2 ½ week long roadblock that's preventing Black Mount logging crews from entering the forest. A 10ft tall heart at the front of the march read "We Need a Change of Heart".
The Squamish logging company was granted an Injunction last Tuesday (January 24) which means they now have the right to remove the roadblock with the assistance of the RCMP, and get back to destroying our local ecosystems. The logging company could have showed up yesterday, but they didn't. Another day that allows the thousands of towering Douglas-firs to remain standing is a good day.
Also today, a call was put in to Black Mount who reiterated their stance that the company would gladly back out of this block IF the NDP government would not seek damages in unpaid stumpage. The Minister of Forests Doug Donaldson and BC Timber Sales Senior Staff have known that this is the position of the company for a while - it is not too late for the government to now act on this opportunity and do what is right for the community and the forest.
If we can muster the people power, perhaps we can shift their position and let Black Mount off the hook. To that end, we need your help to create a massive lobbying effort by doing the following:
Call Minister Donaldson at Forest Lands Natural Resources in Victoria at 250-387-6240. You’ll get his friendly secretary (or leave a message) and simply state, "On BCTS Block A93884 the Clack Creek Forest, allow Black Mount Logging to walk away from the block without facing the penalty of paying the stumpage tax.”
Give or leave the same message with the BC Timber Sales Manager who approved this cutting permit. Call Stacey Gould, RPF, at 778-704-7097.
Then copy & paste or forward this email to your friends and family who may not be on the ELF mail list, and ask them to do the same. Then ask them to send it to 2-3 other contacts so this turns into a tsunami of support for the Clack Creek Forest.
We're all still holding out for a miracle. That being said, there's an actual practical solution that could be applied here if the political will exists with the NDP Government. One would think they’d be looking for a good news story on the environment.
Lastly, we are still maintaining the blockade in the coming days or longer and are requesting that supporters and forest lovers continue to volunteer for a 3 hour shift. Even with the Injunction, we are allowed to be there and keep watch, and there is no risk of arrest if you stand aside should the RCMP arrive. There will be an experienced ELF member there to support you and others. Please continue to show solidarity and support those at the blockade by coming up for a visit, even if you can’t commit to a shift. Call or text 604-764-9913 to volunteer, to access our lawyers free of charge or learn about our Legal Defence Fund for those who independently choose to be heard through direct action. It’s not over yet!
Thank you for calling those numbers. We will keep you up to date as this campaign continues.