Old-growth forest on Burke Mountain - these ancient stands will be logged if a proposed resort development is approved. Regardless of the outcome of the resort application, the B.C. Forest Service also has them slated for logging in 1996.
Widgeon Lake-most visitors are surprised to discover this majestic hanging lake so close to the heart of Vancouver.
World Class Wilderness next to World Class Metropolis
Just north of Coquitlam, only 30 kilometres from the centre of Vancouver, B.C., lies a large spectacular back country sanctuary of mountain lakes, sub-alpine meadows, rugged peaks, tidal sloughs, countless waterfalls, emerald pooled creek canyons, and old-growth forest. Including scenic Pitt Lake, the largest tidal lake in the world, the diversity of landscapes, habitats and recreational opportunities is nothing short of astonishing. Perhaps even more astonishing is that true wilderness still remains so close to Greater Vancouver - right in our own backyard.
But some government resource agencies and certain private interests are busy planning the "development" of this area. These plans range from a huge condo-resort development to a hydroelectric project; from water diversion schemes to forest "harvesting" --i.e. clearcutting-of the area's dwindling old-growth forests.
Greater Vancouver's Lower Mainland region is expanding rapidly. It is estimated that its population will more than double to nearly 5 million people in the next twenty years. The demand for outdoor recreation is growing even more rapidly... and the supply is shrinking. A recent study by the Outdoor Recreation Council of B.C. found that park use increased by over 40 percent in the last decade, and is expected to double by the year 2000. The current level of use already strains the few existing parks beyond their carrying capacity.
Thankfully, the provincial government has designated an area from Burke Mountain in Coquitlam, north to Garibaldi Park, as the Pinecone Lake/Burke Mountain Study Area under its Parks Plan for the 90s initiative. The fate of this area is to be decided by 1993. Making it a park study area is an important first step, but in no way guarantees its protection. Without more public support this wilderness area will be lost! Where do you stand? Silence is a vote for the destruction of this superb natural heritage-Vancouver's backyard wilderness.
