Federal Government Wants National Parks in South Moresby
-BUT PROVINCIAL APPROVAL NEEDED FIRST
Lyell Island Old Growth-Inportant Part of Ecosystem Missing in Second Growth Photo credit: A.Carr
Caccia writes Brummet
[Text of letter]
Dear Mr. Brummet:
I was pleased to learn that the South Moresby Land Use Alternatives report was recently
completed and released for public comment before decisions are made on the future of this
magnificent natural area.
As the heritage values of the South Moresby area are of both national and international
significance, and should therefore be protected for all time, I recommend that the Government of
British Columbia seriously consider selecting Option 4 in the report.
In order to implement this option, I propose that we examine the possibility of creating a national
park/national marine park in the South .Moresby area. This proposal would include some of the
islands and sea-bed to the 50 fathom depth in the eastern and southern portions of the area, as
well as a coastal component in the San Christoval Range to protect some of the most outstanding
fiord and mountain landscape in Canada. Ideally, this could be complemented by the creation of
a Class A provincial park, which would contribute to the British Columbia park system while
helping to ensure the long-term ecological integrity of the national marine park. The enclosed
map illustrates this concept. [See map in this special issue.]
If you wish to explore this proposal further, please inform me so that a meeting can be arranged
between Parks Canada and your.officials. Because the area is of such national and international
conservation interest and significance, I have received many letters and representations, as I am
sure you have also.
Accordingly I would like to make my proposal known within a couple of weeks if you have no
objection or other advice.
Yours sincerely,
Charles Caccia
Member of Parliament
PROTECTION PROPOSED FOR SOUTH MORESBY
Press release - May 29, 1984
OTTAWA -- Federal Environment Minister Charles Caccia today made public a letter to British Columbia's Minister of Lands, Parks and Housing, Anthony Brummet, in which Mr. Caccia proposes. exploring the possibility of creating a national park and a national marine park in the south Moresby area, possibly complemented by a provincial park. Mr. Caccia's proposal was made in response to the release by the province of the South Moresby Land Use Alternatives report and the strong expression of public interest in preserving the South Moresby area. Mr. Caccia added "I am open not only to discussion of this proposal but also to other possible options for federal involvement in national park or national marine park establishment". Describing the heritage values of the south Moresby area as both nationally and internationally significant, Mr. Caccia recommends that the province consider selecting Option Four, "Natural Emphasis" as described in the South Moresby Land Use Alternatives report released in February. Option Four suggests that most of the south Moresby area remain in its wilderness state. These islands, situated west of Prince Rupert, are often referred to as the Canadian Galapagos for their unique plants and animals.
