SOOKE NEWS MIRROR - WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2012
www.sookenewsmirror.com Pirjo Raits photo
JOHN VERNON
Dog gone it! This passel of puppies seemed to be enjoying their outing.
NEWS • 5
“Sooke’s Real Estate Professional” “PREC”
Sooke’s #1 Re/Max Real Estate Agent Since 1991*
TESTIMONIAL #134
JOHN VERNON B.A., C.H.A.
“The team effort of your office really made a difference to us when we had any questions or concerns. Whether it was John answering the phone after regular hours or Cheri’s amazing ability to be on time to meet with us or Melodie in the office tending to all those details made your team working together so valuable to the sale of the house.” P. & M. DeOliveira Call John today for THOROUGH, COURTEOUS, PROFESSIONAL SERVICE and PROVEN RESULTS. - ALWAYS.
They were spotted outside the Sooke News Mirror office and they seemed to be enjoying barking at pedestrians.
camosun westside
email: John@JohnVernon.com
250-642-5050 www.johnvernon.com
*Victoria Real Estate Board MLS
The Stick. Drinks and food. Wholesale and retail.
M-Th 6-4 • FRI 6-5 Weekends • 7:30-4 Jan 1: Closed Twitter@thesticksooke
Environmental group balances jobs with old-growth protection Pirjo Raits
Sooke News Mirror
There was a time in the 1990s when an massive wedge existed between forestry workers and environmentalists. There was the ‘war in the woods’ and various other tensionridden incidents and protests that led to acrimony and anger on both sides. Protecting the environment and retaining forestry jobs seemed to be something that could never happen. In 2010 a new environmentally-conscious organization appeared on the scene and met with a thumbs-up from both sides. The Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA) came up with a new goal which is to retain forestry jobs through sustainable
logging practices while saving old-growth forests for future generations. Ken Wu, one of the original founders (along with TJ Watt and others) said, “an organization can’t be based solely on ideals and divorced from how people make a living.” The group spearheading the organization approached forestry workers, first in the Cowichan Valley, and the derision started to wear away. “We started to make alliances with forestry workers,” said Wu. Many of the ties that bind the two sides are the goals of the AFA; protection of the last remaining old-growth forests, and banning export of raw logs to foreign mills. The problem now is
that the B.C. government is opening up Chinese markets, where large scale manufacturing can be set up very, very fast, said Wu. “It’s just a matter of time until they (the Chinese) start phasing out imports and shift to raw logs,” stated Wu. He said this is “dangerous” because it is a lose, lose situation for British Columbia forests and forestry workers. Old-growth forests are on the decline as they are logged now as they were in the past. The forestry companies are slow at re-tooling the machinery to handle second-growth logs and developing value-added wood industries. The alliance believes we should be logging second-growth at a slower rate, a more sustainable rate of cut
and be manufacturing wood products in B.C. There are other items as well on the alliance’s platform and they have instituted an on-line petition in an effort to get the B.C. government to protect old-growth forests and forestry jobs. The Ancient Forest Alliance is not seeking charitable status because they feel they can be more effective in leveling stronger criticisms and gaining stronger support from politicians and political parties based on their stance. The AFA would like the government to undertake a provin-
cial old-growth strategy that will inventory old-growth forests in B.C. and protect them where they are scarce. Sustainable logging practices (which might include selective logging) on second-growth forests and an end to raw log exports are also in the alliance’s goals. As environmentalists the AFA differs in that they realize jobs are important. “There is a social pressure to make a living and we have to have a plan for economy at the same as environmental protection,” said Wu. “People need a way to work.”
Full Feature Movies on the Big Screen at
SERIOUS COFFEE
Fri-Sat 7pm ...Check
SOOKE
THE OPEN LENS on Facebook for Listings
6715 Eustace Road • Up Otter Point Road then left on Eustace
250-642-5635
Sooke Food CHI
AGM January 30 Monday Sooke Harbour House Potluck Supper 6:30 pm AGM 7:30
NEED IT? RENT IT!
From BOBCATS to CARPET CLEANERS
....and everything in Between! U Haul Trucks, Moving Supplies, & boxes.
S.T.E. RENTALS Sooke Tools & Equipment Rentals 6228 Sooke Rd @ Butler Bros Complex 250-642-0337 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE
Shelly Davis Managing Broker
Marlene Arden
Tammi Dimock
Tim Ayres
Allan Poole
Michael Dick
Lorenda Simms
OUTSTANDING VALUE!!
Great Family or Partnership Venture
Affordable Water Front
Very private 3 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom Townhouse. This totally private end unit with new floors unit has greenspace all around. Featuring: 2 interlocking brick patios with tiered garden bed border, skylights, vaulted ceiling, propane fireplace with fan, huge master ensuite with jacuzzi tub, balcony off mstr bedroom, dining room, modern kitchen with bay eating area, single car garage. One of the nicest units in the complex. Was originally custom built with many extras. $279,900
Located just before Sooke Potholes. 63.38 acres. Gorgeous mountain area zoned RU2. Subdivision process already started. 2 homes on property. One 1994 large "Lindel Plan" home with lots of recent renovations and quality upgrades and finishings. 3 level with 4 bedrooms 3 baths. 2nd home is large 1999 double wide custom ordered. This property has lots of possibilities. Upper property has fantastic views and level areas. $999,999
Imagine your own lake front property! This daily get away, includes 80ft of waterfront, private dock, and 1 acre of country paradise. A New Home with almost 2000sqft, 3 BR, 2 BA, den, granite counters, h/w floors,& vaulted ceilings. Room to build a shop. Warranty,& HST included to qualified buyer. Will consider trade. A great time to buy, and a great deal at www.lorendasimms.com $459,900!
Allan Poole
Marlene Arden
Lorenda Simms
6739 West Coast Rd. ~ 250-642-6361 ~ Visit our listings at www.rlpvictoria.com