On Feb. 8, 2022, the consulting group Lees & Associates presented the results of the online survey, online workshops and stakeholder interviews to North Cowichan council.
For the sake of clarity, I have included here the exact text of the report summary.
This text was vetted by municipal staff, the Citizen’s Public Engagement Working Group, Lees and Associates & the UBC Partnership.
These are the key takeaways:
“The importance of protecting and enhancing the ecological benefits of the MFR was a strong theme. Many expressed concern with the health of the forest, and indicated that the ecosystem services provided by the forest outweigh the potential revenue from harvesting.
“Many expressed that the MFR is a valued recreational asset and are in favour of forest management that supports hiking, biking, walking, ATVing, and horsebackriding. There was also significant support for recreation as it relates to tourism.
“Many community members expressed concern about harvesting practices, particularly the impact of clear cutting. Some respondents feel that cut blocks negatively impact views on the mountains, recreational experiences, and the ecological health of the forest.
“Some participants are supportive of the current management of the MFR. Of those in favour of harvesting, many are supportive of a shift towards eco-forestry and more sustainable forms of harvesting.
“Concern about climate change, and the impacts of wildfires, flooding and extreme weather emerged as a key theme. Many expressed the importance of managing the forest to increase resiliency to climate change.
“We also heard a wide range of perspectives on the cultural significance of the MFR. Many noted the importance of the forest for recreation, access to nature, health and well-being as well as education. Some respondents also expressed the importance of consulting the Quw’utsun Nation on the future management of the MFR.”
These results are consistent with the OCP (Official Community Plan) values survey done in 2021 by an independent outside consultant. Both reports are available on the North Cowichan website.
Rob Fullerton,
Member of the Public Engagement Group