We were appalled and outraged to see a notice of application for a Crown lease from a party of Kamloops, B.C. for the purpose of quarrying a gravel pit on the Crown land abutting Sumas Mountain Regional Park.
The mind-boggling audacity and inconsideration of anyone contemplating such action in such a pristine wilderness adjacent to a regional park is beyond my comprehension.
This proposal, if allowed to proceed, is nothing less than legal vandalism of this last wilderness paradise for the central Fraser Valley communities of Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack, Yarrow, Aldergrove and beyond.
We cannot, and must not, allow this application to succeed in its intent. There is no need for more gravel pits on this mountain.
This area is already doing its share in providing gravel for the valley’s needs.
At least six gravel pits are presently spewing out gravel at record speed with all the attendant annoyances – noise, dust, traffic congestion, explosions reverberating sporadically thoroughly disturbing the peace.
We, the residents of Sumas Mountain, oppose any further escalation of gravel extraction from this area and call on all individuals and groups to rally behind and support a growing opposition to any further development of this type of activity.
Our children, grandchildren and their children depend on us to preserve this precious gift.
We must not, and can not fail them.
I say enough is enough. No more gravel pits!
Helen and John Ratzlaff
