Local politicians look to settle Cortes Island dispute

February 15, 2012

The Cortes Island logging dispute continues to roll on.

North Island MLA Claire Trevena and Cortes Island Regional Director Noba Anderson have joined forces help settle the dispute. They have sent letters to the Minister of the Environment and Minister of Forests and Natural Resources.

“We know that Island Timberland owns the land, and its private land and they have the right to do the logging, says Trevena. “We want to find a way to look after the old growth lands.  

If you remember back in late December early January, island residents and environmentalist petitioned against Island Timberlands plan to log a significant portion of the old growth forest. Over 6,000 signatures, roughly 4,500 more than the amount of persons living on the Discovery Island were collected.

“We thought we approached the two ministers and see if they could use their influences,” adds Trevena. “Hopefully we can get something moving.”

The entire dispute is gaining national attention from environmental activists. Trevena and Anderson are hoping an amicable solution can be found to the problem.