Dear Editor,

We have little doubt that the parties who will soon be cutting old-growth trees in Whistler are sincere in their belief that their statistics, jargon and policy papers justify the killing of 300-year-old trees (and the priceless ecosystems they exist in). We do not agree.

And we suggest that anyone attending the Open House on the issue (we'll be on the road) avoid getting sucked into the black hole of bureaucratic doublespeak (see: Cheakamus Crossing), and instead, remain focused on the core points:

• Is Whistler planning to cut old-growth trees? Yes.

• How much will it get for the trees? Less than $30,000 a year.

• Who is getting the timber? Richmond Plywood.

• Does this seem like a good investment for current or future generations of Whistler residents and visitors? (Your answer here.)
In the meantime, our video remains on YouTube under “Whistler Old Growth.”

But we will gleefully replace it when Whistler rediscovers its once-substantial environmental “cojones” and the mayor announces Whistler’s stand against logging ANY old-growth trees. (An announcement that would quite likely garner considerable media coverage... positive media coverage.)
Oly and the Fat Cats

and Van Clayton Powel
Whistler