The Cody Caves system, a classic example of karst limestone solution formation, is protected by a BC Provincial Park that covers the cave entrance and surface expression of the known limits to the cave.
Later it became known, both from underground exploration and surface features, that the cave system continued to the south of the actual park boundary.
During the 1990s, the B.C. government made a review of its park system. One significant outcome of this review was what is described as a “Goal 2” objective. In plain language, this was to look at all existing parks and protected areas and identify adjacent lands that had physical, ecological and cultural attributes that could be added to these parks at a later date.
From this review, a Memorandum of Understanding stipulated that all government ministries and any other stakeholders would mutually consult before taking any action in a Goal 2 Reserve. For the Cody Caves Park, a Goal 2 Reserve to the south of the existing park boundary was identified and has since been in place for more than 20 years. Recently, Cooper Creek Cedar, a local logging company, has submitted plans for two cut blocks, one of which encompasses most of this Goal 2 area without prior notice to BC Parks. This logging is scheduled to take place this spring.
The issue here is twofold. Firstly, if this logging happens without any inter-ministry consultation taking place, it means the whole Goal 2 process is valueless. Any B.C. ministry can simply licence any activity within its jurisdiction on these park-adjacent areas without consulting anyone.
Secondly, looking at the Cody Caves situation in isolation, it is a choice between short term and long term benefits. Logging these two cut blocks now will generate local income, tax revenue and profits in 2017; not logging will allow the enhancement of local tourist attraction that is unique in B.C. and will still be around 100 years from now.
This enhancement, which is already partially developed, is a hiking trail through old growth forest that follows the surface expression of the caves and its surface features with explanatory signage. If half of this trail is in a clear cut, something will be permanently lost to all those visiting the park.
This proposed logging must be put on hold until the prescribed Goal 2 process has a chance to work as intended.
Maurice de St Jorre
Friends of West Kootenay Parks
Nelson
