Nelson and Salmo have declined to contribute to the purchase of land at Cottonwood Lake and the Apex cross-country ski area where logging is taking place, according to sources at the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK).
The decisions have effectively stalled negotiations between the RDCK and the landowner, Kootenay Land Corporation, to protect the area.
For the past year the RDCK has been negotiating with the company in an attempt to preserve the recreational and tourism values of Cottonwood Lake, the rail trail, the cross country ski area, and a network of mountain bike trails.
To purchase the land, five entities would have to agree to contribute: three rural areas of the RDCK represented by Hans Cunningham, Ramona Faust and Tom Newell, and the municipal councils of Salmo and Nelson, which are part of the RDCK.
The proposed purchase price of the land has not been disclosed, but the assent of Salmo and Nelson would have been required because they have more financial resources than the three rural areas. It is not known how much they would have had to borrow or contribute.
The council meetings at which this was decided would have been closed to the public. This is allowed by provincial law for such things as negotiations for land purchase, discussions of labour contract negotiations, and internal personnel matters.
Meanwhile, a group of local residents will hold a public meeting to talk about alternative ways to acquire the land.
“Given that logging could begin as early as March 1 and come to within five metres of the water, time is of the utmost importance here,” said Andrew McBurney, one of the organizers of the meeting, which will be held at the Nelson Rod and Gun Club at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
McBurney said there will be RDCK directors and city councillors from Nelson at the meeting.
Discussion topics will include how the purchase could be made and which branches of government might be involved.
Also on the agenda: the wetlands above the lake, slope stability surrounding it, the downstream dangers of debris damming the creek, potential impacts on the abundance of wildlife and fish, and the potential impact on tourism.
Related: The logging plan no one wants to talk about
This story was altered at 6:00 p.m. on Dec. 14 by adding paragraph six.
bill.metcalfe@nelsonstar.com Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
