Matt Casselman

Castlegar biologist Matt Casselman believes public opposition to logging plans does not make much difference. Last summer, Casselman sent a 450-signature petition to B.C.’s then-forest minister Bruce Ralston asking him to cancel or postpone logging planned by BC Timber Sales (BCTS) near Castlegar in the Cai Creek watershed. His rationale was that BCTS was planning to cut old-growth trees in an intact watershed ecosystem of a kind that is rare and should be preserved. The minister declined to accept the petition. During the same period, BCTS requested public comment on the logging plan… The result was 93 against the logging and four in favour. …Casselman says that BCTS “mostly considers public comments a nuisance … BCTS will do the legal minimum to show they have considered public input” …The FPB investigation has not yet concluded, but BCTS nevertheless put the contested cut blocks up for public auction, with a deadline of April 24.