Picking the right fight

This past week in Bragg Creek, hundreds of County residents, along with Calgarians, turned out to express their anger with the government and Spray Lake Sawmills (SLS) for a proposed clearcut of more than 700 hectares of forest in west Bragg Creek.

We’re glad so many people turned out to the open house, which had a horrible time slot of 3 to 7 p.m.

The project has hit the table fairly quick, catching residents and users groups in the area off guard. We applaud Sustain Kananaskis which went out to trail heads, handing out pamphlets to people, something that should have been done by SLS, but wasn’t.

At the open house, the mill’s comment sheets were snatched up in no time. What will happen to that feedback is anyone’s guess, as the mill isn’t forced to implement people’s comments.

We hope it will take the high road in this situation.

Don’t stop the opposition, people. Force Alberta’s Sustainable Resource and Development brass to listen to you. Get the ear of the people who sign off on policy decisions and let them see your point of view. These trails, people, homes and wildlife living in west Bragg Creek are vital to its identity and economy.

Poorly-thought out solutions are disrespectful of the people who live there.

We saw what happened in McLean Creek and how that land was restored. Recreational users in that area have moved on from the Creek since it has been rendered useless.

It’s a crying shame if this project goes through with no opposition.

Thankfully, it looks like if the cutting happens, it won’t be without a fight.