Letter to the Minister of Highways, August 1/2000

Re:    Fawn Creek Culverts

August 1, 2000
P.M. (Peter) Wightman, P. Eng.
District Highways Manager
Ministry of Transportation and Highways
6475 Metral Drive, Nanaimo, BC
V9T 2L9 FAX: (250)390-6296

Dear Mr. Wightman,

Re: Fawn Creek Culverts: File #57500-20/PORT

We received a copy of your letter to the Hal Creek and Mount Hal Watershed Protection Society dated July 24, 2000, in which you state that you "do not expect to be able to affect any changes to the site this season". We do not find this acceptable given that salmon have been denied access to their traditional spawning and rearing habitat for over thirty years. This is significant habitat. Government and private landowners' money have been applied to salmon enhancement projects on private land above the culvert and significant FRBC money has been invested in stabilizing Upper Hal Creek. 

A significant run of coho salmon is expected this fall. The public would like to see these fish colonizing the creeks above the culvert. In addition, we are also aware that the culvert systems present a danger to the public. Please fix this problem before the fisheries window closes Sept.15, 2000!

Yours truly,

Sue Frazer, Director
For information see: www.portaec.net/local/culverts/fawn_creek/index.html

Cc: Hupacasath First Nation, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, Alberni Valley Enhancement Assoc., Area/G Troll Fishing Assoc., Regional Aquatic Management Society, Mike Kokura, RDAC, Hal Creek and Mount Hal Watershed Protection Society, Alberni Salmon Enhancement Society, Alberni Sport Fish Advisory Committee, Alberni District Sportsmen's Assoc., Council of Canadians (Port Alberni Branch), Gerard Janssen, Hon.Joan Sawicki, Minister of Environment, Lands & Parks, Hon. Harry Lali, Minister of Highways, John Werring, Sierra Legal Defence Fund, Bruce McDonald, DFO.

Alberni Environmental Coalition                                                                                                   Box 1087, Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 7L9
Office: 4770 Johnston
Tel/Fax: (250) 723-4666
e-mail: aec@portaec.net
web page: www.portaec.net