A petition has been launched calling for a halt to logging on Mt. Macpherson "until a publicly acceptable solution is found that considers and legally protects all values and interests (recreational, quality of life, economic) in the area."
The petition was posted to Change.org on Monday. It asks the City of Revelstoke, Columbia Shuswap Regional District and provincial government engage with local stakeholders regarding the future management of the Macpherson area.
The Times Review reported in September that sections of Mt. Macpherson are slated to be logged by BC Timber Sales in 2016. The harvesting would impact several mountain biking and cross-country ski trails.
In response to concerns, local forestry companies held an open house last month that was attended by about 150 people, however it failed to address the issue of logging close to Revelstoke.
The petition asks: "We respectfully request that the City of Revelstoke, CSRD and the Province of BC work together with the citizens and stakeholders of Revelstoke to ensure that all values (recreation, quality of life, tourism, forestry etc.) and interests are considered and legally protected in the management of the Mt. Macpherson area. In the interim, we request that all logging activities affecting the Mt Macpherson recreation area are suspended until a workable, and publicly acceptable solution is found."
The petition has garnered more than 100 supporters within hours of being launched.
Editors note: I wrote a column in September advocating for a new land-use plan for Mt. Macpherson. If you have a problem with my reporting on this subject, please contact myself or my published Mavis Cann at 250-837-4667.