Aerial view of East Creek with majestic mountains in the background
Jumbo Pass, site of proposed mega - resort city. Photo credit: Micheal Wheatley
BUGABOO WILDERNESS THREATENED
People travel to the Bugaboo wilderness from all over the world to enjoy its towering peaks and breathtaking beauty. But that wilderness is imperiled by road-building, clearcut logging and excessive development plans which collectively can, and are, eradicating wilderness splendor and decimating wild animal populations. In many cases the damage cannot be undone.
Roadbuilding
In most cases, roads punched into Bugaboo Rainforest Valleys follow key rivers and watersheds, degrading wilderness values and water quality and jeopardizing key fish- spawning rivers with excessive siltation. Bull trout, a blue listed species with a stronghold in the Duncan River are extremely sensitive to roads and siltation. In addition to penetrating wilderness regions for logging, new roads increase the vulnerability of unprotected areas and endanger animals to hunting and poaching.
Clearcut Logging
Though numerous environmental groups and wilderness enthusiasts have sought to protect the special forests and watersheds of the Kootenay Boundary and Bugaboo for 30 years, forestry planning has been characterized by clearcut logging, confronta- tion and rigged deals for forestry companies. Targeted because of its exceptional old growth forests, the proposed park region has been encircled by clearcutting, and all of the remaining rare, inland rainforests are threatened with future clearcut logging unless protection is granted.
Helicopter Traffic
Logging roads fragment Westfall Valley wilderness Photo credit: Joe Foy
Mountain goats are vulnerable to low-level helicopter traffic Photo credit: Michael Wheatley
The Bugaboo has the highest density of helicopter tourism in BC. In practice, this translates into constant low and high elevation helicopter traffic and the littering of spectacular vantages, hiking, fishing and skiing sites with helicopter landing flags. Strong scientific evidence links this kind of helicopter traffic with increased animal stress and population decline.
Jumbo Pass
Jumbo Pass, 75 km north of Nelson, is one of the most significant animal movement corridors remaining in southeastern BC and thus is a critical element in the Bugaboo National Park Proposal. Jumbo Pass is also the site and subject of a 10 year-long struggle to prevent the construction of a resort-style town and major four season destination resort that would permanently destroy the animal corridor.
Rugged Terrain, Unallocated Timber
The remaining intact watersheds within the proposed park area are characterized by exceptionally rugged terrain, through which road-building is extremely expensive. In fact, the area is so rugged that logging rights to some of the valleys have not been allocated. Now - before timber licenses are granted to forestry companies to log these watersheds - is the time to act to protect these forests.
