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Artists unite to protect the planet

Mar 6 2012/in News Coverage

When photographer Frances Litman realized she was considered one of the biggest donors to local environmental charities, she was surprised.

“It made me laugh because I’m an artist,” she said. “I thought, if I’m considered a good donor, this is pretty sad.”

Through research, she says, she learned that environmental charities receive less than four per cent of all charitable giving in Canada – compared with the medical charities that receive more than 80 per cent.

“I thought, this is insanity,” she said. “I thought I was alone in this thought, but what I realized was that all of my artist friends felt the same way. So I said, ‘Why don’t we creatively unite?’ ”

The movement will take the shape of a new festival, appropriately held April 20 to 22 during Earth Week. Creatively United for the Planet, a three-day, all-ages event, will mix entertainment with opportunities to support green charities.

“It’s a way to bring the environmental charities to a fun event,” said Litman.

Several artists have donated their time to the volunteer-run festival, including Ann Mortifee, Robert Bateman, the Soul Shakers, flutist Paul Horn, the Gettin’ Higher Choir and conservation photographer Garth Lenz.

Events kick off April 20 with an all-ages Mardi Gras-themed dance party. Costumes are optional.

There will be sessions on how to make your house green, growing young gardeners and more.

Other events include creative events for kids, opportunities to learn about various animals, a fashion show, a John Lennon tribute concert and a student art auction.

Events will be held both indoors and outdoors at St. Matthias Hall.

Funds raised through the event will benefit the Sierra Club of B.C., the Western Wilderness Committee, the Dogwood Initiative, Ancient Forest Alliance, the Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team, the B.C. Land Conservancy/TLC, Wild Arc, RAVEN (Respecting Aboriginal Values and Environmental Needs), Oases Conservation Society, Peace Valley Environment Association, Child and Nature Alliance, Habitat for Humanity Victoria and YES B.C.

“These charities, now more than ever, need our support if we are going to maintain the lifestyle that we want,” said Litman.

“We have to start taking it on ourselves to give more support to the people who are fighting for this.”

Local environmental charities will be present to build awareness and answer questions. A CRD information booth will also have information about regional sustainable initiatives.

Litman said not to expect a “tree hugger” event.

“This isn’t hippie; this is hip,” she said.

She also promises a “good news” festival. “It’s not about scaring people,” she said. “It’s about, OK, let’s all join together and have a great time over this three-day event.”

Ken Wu and Jason Addy at a press conference at the Sooke Potholes on Mar. 1.

Park acquisition fund wanted

Mar 6 2012/in News Coverage

Different conservationist groups, at the Sooke Potholes on March 1, called on the B.C. government to form a land acquisition fund that would be dedicated to protecting park land.

Ken Wu, co-founder of the Ancient Forest Alliance, said the B.C. government had been negligent in protecting old-growth forests in the southern part of the province.

“One of the most important planks in a conservation platform that the B.C. Liberal government must commit to before a provincial election before 2013, is to commit to a B.C. park acquisition fund,” Wu told reporters.

The environmental groups are calling for a provincial acquisition fund of $40 million a year, over 10 years, amounting to $400 million. The fund would be used to purchase valuable private land at risk of logging and deforestation.

According to Wu, the acquisition fund could provide continued protection of the Muir Creek watershed, which is located12 km west of Sooke.

The Ancient Forest Alliance had a recent victory over the protection of old-growth cedars in Avatar Grove, near Port Renfrew, on Feb. 16. The provincial government protected 59.4 hectares of Crown land in the area from harvesting, which Wu called a start, but he added much more action was needed from the provincial government.

The conservationists also requested Island Timberlands, the second largest private land owner in B.C., to halt any plans for logging in contentious areas until funds can be acquired to purchase the private lands.

Joining Wu, in representation of different conservationist groups along the southern B.C. Coast, was Jason Addy, of the Friends of Stillwater Bluffs from Powell River.

Addy said the 48 hectares of private land that comprises Stillwater Bluffs has been listed as a protection priority for the Powell River Regional District. The Friends of Stillwater Bluffs is currently asking Island Timberlands for a five-year moratorium to stop future logging until the appropriate funds can be accumulated to purchase the land.

Other old-growth forests and sensitive ecosystems at risk of being logged by Island Timberlands are: Cortes Island near Campbell River, Cathedral Grove Canyon in MacMillan Park, and Cameron Valley Firebreak and McLaughlin Ridge near Port Alberni.

Island Timberlands did not return calls by press time.

Read article in the Sooke News Mirror: https://www.sookenewsmirror.com/news/141606583.html

AFA's Ken Wu and Friends of Stillwater Bluffs' Jason Addy holding a press conference with the Times Colonist and CTV at the Sooke Potholes calling for a BC Park Acquisition Fund.

Eco group urges B.C. to re-form park fund – Organization highlights CRD’s model

Mar 2 2012/in News Coverage

Using a backdrop of parkland bought by the Capital Regional District, an environmental group on Thursday called on the provincial government to set up a park acquisition fund similar to that of the CRD.

A fund of at least $40 million a year, raising $400 million over 10 years, is needed if old growth and other endangered ecosystems on private lands are to be protected, said Ken Wu, Ancient Forest Alliance co-founder.

Environment Ministry spokesman Suntanu Dalal said there is no set annual budget for buying parkland, but other strategies – such as density transfers, land exchanges or partnering with organizations such as land trusts – are used for acquiring land.

Until 2008-09, there was a land acquisition budget, Dalal said. “Due to fiscal challenges, that fund no longer exists. However, the ability to continue to acquire key properties has remained,” Dalal said.

Sooke Potholes Regional Park, part of which was protected through the CRD’s park acquisition fund, is an example of what can be achieved, Wu said at a news conference.

The situation is urgent because Island Timberlands is set to log several privately owned forests with high recreational and environmental value, he said.

“The government must step forward with a funding solution,” Wu said. “At the same time, Island Timberlands needs to put the brakes on their plans to log the last old growth stands and contentious areas until those lands can be purchased for protection.”

Island Timberlands did not return calls on Thursday.

The company recently postponed logging on Cortes Island, a move that activist Zoe Miles attributes to intense public pressure. “It’s a temporary victory, but it does give us more time to raise funds for land purchase,” Miles said. “If Island Timberlands is genuinely willing to consider a land sale at fair market value, then it’s the responsibility of our provincial government to listen to its electorate and make that happen.”

Conservationists fear Cathedral Grove Canyon, near Port Alberni, and the nearby Cameron Valley Firebreak are about to be logged.

Dalal said the priority for the next fiscal year will be completing projects where there are legal obligations in place or where land with significant value is donated to the province.

“Lands are selected based on priorities for conservation, recreation or operational purposes,” he said.