Posted by Len Vanderstar, R.P.F., R.P.Bio on 04/05 at 10:06 AM
Dear Nathan & Colleagues:
Moving forward with an economic development strategy requires a structured approach that is proactive so that the negative impacts of development either do not occur or are substantially mitigated. For example:
1) The term “green energy” in the minds of gov’t implies independent power projects (which really are private power projects and the eventual loss of citizen owned cheap power production), bioenergy/wood pellet production. The furthest thing that many of us want are clusters of so called IPPs in high value remote drainages that are being staked across the region and our only response is via a referral process. We need a process to proactively decide where such development are permitted and where they are not; this will go a long way in engaging First Nation concerns and better protect our environment, fish & wildlife habitat. A pilot project with the Gitanyow is highly recommended and I would be willing to provide assistance. With respect to bioenergy, this sort of development has the potential to severely impact forest structural diversity which is the foundation for biodiversity and population viability of many species in the region. Before such development takes off, clear regulations regarding coarse woody debris retention, residual timber inclusive of standing dead are required. I’ll copy Doug Donaldson since such regulations are of provincial nature.
2)The electrification of hwy 37, from my perspective, will result in the largest cummulative impact to Skeena Region’s environment and First Nation sustenance use ever to be witnessed in the foreseeable future (assuming Enbridge is dead). The upper Iskut (Red Chris mine), Bell Irving/Nass (Seabridge Resources), Mess Creek/Stikine (Galore & Shaft mines), Upper Skeena (Groundhog coal proposals)all depend on substanital power and all have very real threats to cherished river systems. The world’s best indigenous natural rainbow trout sport fisheries of the upper Iskut will be held at ransom for thousands of years, all do to a Red Chris retaining dam that will have questionable durability over time + having to spill water during freshets. At what costs are we promoting these mines? Let’s do our homework better. If there is no way out, then let us negotiate for a $20 million (minimum) compensation fund that will provide monitoring dollars for cummulative impact studies and empower the First Nations (Gitanyow, Nisga’a & Taltan)in having a better say over their traditional territories.
It is good to see the NDP taking the lead on community economic development in the region. Let’s now sink out teeth into the meat to force a proactive agenda.
Len Vanderstar
