B.C. Parks has backed
down on its controversial plan to build a new
parking lot in the old-growth forest at
Cathedral Grove on Vancouver Island, following
years of protests.
The summer crowds
in Cathedral Grove
worried the government.
(CBC) | Cathedral
Grove, whch includes giant Douglas fir trees
that are more than 800 years old and more than
nine metres in circumference, straddles Highway
4 about 25 kilometres west of Qualicum Beach.
The majestic old-growth forest – the
centrepiece of MacMillan Park – draws tourists
from around the world.
The proposed 200-car, 20-bus parking lot
would have led to the destruction of dozens of
trees.
The government has said the current
parking situation is unsafe, because visitors
are often forced to park along the side of the
highway during the busy summer months.
Environment minister Barry
Penner said the government has now decided to
install flashing lights and use other
traffic-calming measures rather than building a
new parking lot.
The old-growth
trees attract visitors
from around the
world.(CBC) | "It
was clear from the majority of public comments
that there was little support for the
recommended option from B.C. Parks which was to
build the parking lot," said the minister."
Since early 2004, protesters
have camped in the trees in an effort to block
plans to cut down more trees and expand parking.
Richard Boyce of the Friends of Cathedral
Grove said the minister's announcement is "great
news" for those who love the old-growth trees.
"I'm glad the government is finally deciding to
listen to the public."
Another member of the protest group,
David Boehm, said they managed to force the
government to back down.
"There's no need to cut any more of those
big trees. They made the right decision. Good on
them."
Boehm says he expects the protesters to
take down their camp and clear their belongings
out of the park.
|
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