Editor:
I was concerned to read John Rustad’s suggestion in the story Lakes District recreation sites and trails at risk, in the Lakes District News edition of May 9, 2012, that the Windy Craggy mine be developed in Tatsenshini-Alsek Provincial Park.
His comments minimize the years of hard work by and sustainable, diverse benefits for outfitters, trappers, First Nations and hunters.
Thousands of people experience this premier destination each year.
The provincial government purchased and extinguished old mineral claims within the park, consistent with the park management plan.
Mr. Rustad’s government just completed the Taku River Tlingit regional land use plan and is now implementing it, a multi-year effort where stakeholders worked to envision their sustainable future.
New government-to-government agreements with First Nations represent significant progress in building relationships and certainty.
Nowhere is reopening the bitter Windy Craggy debate mentioned.
The rare species, landforms, pristine rivers, and wildlife throughout Tatsenshini-Alsek Provincial Park are worth far more to the province over the long term than a single mine.
Once exhausted, it would scar the landscape for centuries with extraction pits, settling ponds, roads, power lines and rock dumps, because of very slow growth rates in the area.
Northerners accuse Vancouver and Victoria of dismissing their concerns because effects are not visible from their backyards.
Mr. Rustad is suggesting that a prized possession can be sacrificed for the convenience of others far away. Just because he may never bother to visit does not mean it is not important and valuable.
Jodie Krakowski
Squamish
