INDEPENDENT TOURISM STUDY FINDS MORE JOBS IN PRESERVING THE STOLTMANN WILDERNESS THAN IN LOGGING IT
In June 2000 One Whistler, an organization comprised of local government officials and business representatives in Whistler, B.C., released its study on the economic impacts that preserving the Stoltmann Wilderness would have on the Squamish- Whistler-Pemberton corridor. Produced by management consultant firm Grant Thornton International, it predicted that up to 730 tourism jobs could be realized by preserving the Stoltmann -- far more than would be generated by logging its ancient forests. Besides more jobs, the increase in tourism would bring in millions of dollars annually into the local economy. To see full report text, and the poll reported below, access our web site
SEA TO SKY RESIDENTS WANT ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION
On September 7, 2000 EcoMountain Tours released a public opinion poll of Sea to Sky residents conducted by Eli Sopow & Associates and MarkTrend Research. The survey concludes "A strong majority of residents in Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton recognize that economic change is inevitable and diversification is essential". Over 70% of forest workers agree there is a need for the forest industry to use fewer trees and create more value-added. 66% (64% in Squamish) feel there needs to be a shift away from the reliance on logging and more emphasis on tourism and recreation.
SEE IT FOR YOURSELF! HIKE THE STOLTMANN WILDERNESS
There's nothing like experiencing a wilderness area first-hand to inspire and motivate people to help save it. It's certainly true for the Stoltmann Wilderness including the Elaho Valley's groves of thousand-year-old trees. Only a three and a half hour car trip from Vancouver, it has some fabulous hiking trails.
Wilderness Committee volunteers have cleared over 30 kilometers of hiking trails and hiking routes through the Stoltmann's oldgrowth rainforest and alpine plateau. We have also produced a full colour trail-guide map to help people find and use these trails. You can order it by filling out the tear-out below and mailing it to us. You can also view our map on our webpage
In August 2000, the Squamish District Forest Manager denied WCWC's application to build a trail to Eagle Bluff above Lava Creek in the upper Elaho Valley and to upgrade the trail in the Doug Fir Loop saying that the area was "too sensitive". Meanwhile it approved clearcutting right up to the edge of Lava Grove and underneath the Eagle Bluff lookout and logged across our Doug Fir Loop Trail, obliterating one-third of it! It's obvious that the pro-logging forces also understand--- and intend to thwart---the power of personal experience in compelling citizens to act for forest preservation.
Elaho to Meager Trail transverses the beautiful alpine "Hundred Lakes Plateau".
Oldgrowth temperate forest provokes constant wonder.
