Alberni Environmental coalition
 

August 3, 2001

BC Parks Office

Strathcona District

Fax:  248-8584

      Re:  Proposed Parking Lot at Cathedral Grove

          The Alberni Environmental Coalition is opposed to the proposed location of the parking lot as well as the size of the installation.  While we realize that some solution needs to be found to the dangerous traffic situation at the Grove, we believe that other alternatives need to be considered.  The size of the audience at the recent public meeting at Qualicum indicates that many members of the public share our concerns.

          The proposed location is on the Cameron River floodplain within a designated Community Watershed.  The existing forest provides critical habitat for a small and threatened elk herd as well as habitat for three red-listed plant species.  The trees growing there now provide a windthrow buffer for the ancient trees in the Park.  This buffer is needed as evidenced by the damage done to the Park by the wind storm of Jan. 1, 1997.

          We believe that a series of well-planned smaller parking lots would be a better solution to the traffic problem at the Grove and urge you to examine alternatives.

          Thank you for your time.

Yours truly,

Maureen Sager

Office Co-ordinator