All seems to have fallen quiet in the battle for Powell River’s urban forest, Lot 450.
At last word, Island Timberlands wrapped up the harvest of its private managed forest lands after community pressure ramped up on the company to halt logging during bird-nesting season.
Though the company said it had plans to cut trees in other publicly owned areas within Lot 450, the timber company has not yet moved forward.
In fact, protestors who have been watching for any logging activity in the area said that since their blockade of logging equipment at the end of May the forest company has not returned. Not willing to let the issue go dormant, Powell River Forest Coalition (PRFC), the citizens’ group which has organized opposition to the forest company’s timber practices, together with Powell River Voices, Sierra Club Malaspina and the Council of Canadians, are hosting a community forum to explore alternatives to clear-cutting the lot. Ken Wu, executive director of the Ancient Forest Alliance, has been invited to speak about how Cortes Island residents opposed Island Timberlands.
The forum will take place at 7 pm on Wednesday, July 22, at Powell River United Church. Organizers are suggesting a $5 donation at the door.
PRFC will host an information booth at Sea Fair this year.
