MLA Dan Ashton presented the Save Carmi Recreation Trails Group’s petition to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia on Nov. 26.

This petition is in response to the planned logging that will be taking place in 2019 just 10 minutes outside of Penticton that will see popular recreation trails widened and used as logging roads.

Ashton said the petition had garnered at least 1,600 signatures since he last checked and his office had also received numerous letters from individuals expressing their concerns with the project.

Related: Proposed logging around rec trails sees public opposition

“I presented the petition yesterday and it was received by the Legislative Assembly. I also presented a copy of the petition along with some other documentation that had been forwarded to me by the (Save Carmi Recreational Trails) group, which I personally delivered to Hon. Doug Donaldson’s (Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development) office,” said Ashton.

Ashton said the local group has been a great source of information about the current use of the trails and is supporting their initiative because, being a local himself, he knows firsthand how valuable they are for outdoor recreation near Penticton.

Related: MLA Dan Ashton backs Penticton group trying to stop logging near recreation area

“I wanted to note that the Minister’s office got back to me right away after I delivered the package and followed-up with me on some questions they had,” said Ashton. “I went over the documentation and my thoughts on it … and I believe that’s a merit on their part that they responded to me so quickly.

“I want to thank the group, the individuals that signed the petitions, and those who took the time to send letters — not form letters — expressing their concerns, this just shows me it is an area that has been utilized for a long time and it’s a public treasure to those that want to experience what it offers, so close to Penticton.”

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