Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 08, 2009 12:00 PM
A lack of government action over wildfires has Coldstream residents seeing red.The Ministry of Forests has not closed Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park despite demands from municipal council and people living nearby.“I’m surprised it’s been taking this long for the government to make a decision. It’s a serious issue,” said Coun. Richard Enns.A formal request for the closure was sent to Forests Minister Pat Bell Thursday.The Friends of Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park has also been pushing for a temporary closure to minimize the potential of a wildfire occurring.“The frustration has been with the total lack of response,” said Ray Worley, society president.Not only is there a concern that a blaze could threaten adjacent neighbourhoods, but that it could destroy the park and its recreational values.“Close the park to save the park,” said Worley, adding that a similar risk led to the park being closed during 2003.The Ministry of Forests insists the request is being taken seriously.“We are analyzing the situation on a daily basis and are now giving notice that an order for an access closure may be required. We are also drafting an order for an access restriction so that we can move quickly should the decision be made to close the park,” said Lisa Barrett, with the public affairs bureau.
Barrett added that the ministry is consulting with B.C. Parks to consider a closure.“One of our recommendations to B.C. Parks is that they increase park ranger patrols and messaging to park visitors to inform them that there is a high fire risk and that they must be careful.“Weather conditions are predicted to cool down somewhat in the near future and this may reduce fire risk. However, if things do not cool down as expected, the order may be implemented.”
When contacted by The Morning Star, MLA Eric Foster indicated he is pursuing the matter.“If they feel it is necessary, they will shut it down,” he said of the ministry.Foster would not say whether he favours a temporary closure of Kal Park.“The ministry shuts down industrial operations when conditions are too dangerous so I’m sure they are looking at it,” he said.
----------------
Ministry has dropped the ball: Morning Star Editorial: August 08, 2009 12:00 PM
While the Ministry of Forests insists it is reviewing the wildfire risk in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, there is little sense that anything will actually be done.And a lack of confidence definitely arises when the ministry states that it is engaged in consultations with B.C. Parks and other key groups about a possible closure of the park. First off, who are these other key groups? Are they actually on the ground like Coldstream council or residents or are they stuck in some office in Victoria? And given the usual pace of consultations, snow could be on the ground before a decision is made on Kal Park.Forestry officials go on to say that the situation is being analyzed daily and a restriction order is being drafted so they can move quickly. But even if closure occurs tomorrow, it wasn’t quick enough. Given the extremely dry conditions and the popularity of the park, the threat for fire is immediate. An order should have been issued last week. The District of Coldstream and the residents all know there will be substantial public inconvenience if the park is closed, so the demands for such action don’t come lightly. One also has to wonder why this year is bring treated differently than 2003 when the park gates were locked? Ultimately, the Ministry of Forests has bungled this situation and shown that it is more geared towards putting out fires than preventing them from beginning. Hopefully closure of Kal Park comes soon or the risk of wildfire will continue to escalate.
No comments:
Post a Comment