Dear Editor,
I am an avid outdoors person. I hike, fly fish, ride a motorcycle, snowshoe, cross-country ski, camp both in the back and front country and regularly visit the south Kananaskis area at least four days of the month, in every month of the year.
I moved to High River on June 17, 2013, flooded on June 20, 2013. My condo is now rebuilt, though it took a couple of years and some therapy. I actually saw the four foot tsunami that broke through the NW berm of the Highwood River and came through the green space and golf course and flooded my condo. I waded out in a heavy current up to my waist. I was displaced for about three months and lived in construction mess for about two years. I am grateful that I escaped and my home could be repaired. I was devastated when I hiked in to the upper Highwood area about two weeks after the flood to see what the power of the river had done to the beautiful Kananaskis area. Despite the many area closures, I still sought solace and fresh air there in the days since the flood. I made friends again with the Highwood River.
I was dismayed to hear that the provincial government has given the go-ahead for clear cut logging in the Highwood House area. Aside from my displeasure about many of my favorite hiking areas being totally clear cut and probably limiting my access in the winter season while the logging is underway, the ugliness of full clear cut at the beautiful scenic south entrance to Highway 40 and 940 makes me sad. To drive into the mountains and be met by bald hillsides and ridges will be a sorry sight for locals and tourists alike.
I wonder if anyone did current environmental impact studies to determine the effects on the watershed, ground stability, stream siltation, flooding, the fisheries, wildlife and other downstream effects of clear cutting the Highwood particularly updated since 2013. (I heard that this plan was in the works at least 10 years.) A 50 meter vegetation buffer to the streams seems inadequate.
I did not hear of any communication or consultation with users that the actual logging would start in Fall 2017. I am disappointed at the lack of communication and seeming lack of transparency in moving forward. Did anyone let the Town of High River know about this and consider how it might affect our river, water supply and town during Spring Runoff?
The Highwood and its tributaries are major spawning beds for the world class Bow River fishery.
I understand the provincial government looking for ways to create employment and revenue in our depressed economy. Logging is important. Surely this could be done in co-operation with user groups so that everyone can still benefit from the area.
P. Ann Cadrin
High River
