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Canadian EarthCare Society

Donations to the Canadian EarthCare Society are not tax deductible. We do however have an organization that we work with on to help us implement educational programs. Should you wish to donate please contact us. We appreciate your support in helping to protect our environment...

Call government
Toll Free at:
1-800-663-7867

Premier
Gordon Campbell
Ph: 250-387-1715
Fax: 250-387-0087
E-mail:
premier@gov.bc.ca

Minister of Forests
Rich Coleman
Ph: 250 387-6240
Fax: 250-387-1040
E-mail:
rich.coleman.mla@leg.bc.ca

Take Action!

Broken Promise Legacy Lost

The Provincial Government has reneged on a promise to honour the Okanagan Shuswap Land Use plan (OKSLRMP). They have refused to establish 29 of the 49 parks agreed to under the OKSLRMP. These 29 parks are distributed throughout the Okanagan Shuswap region. Please take the time to ensure that the Parks created in the Okanagan Shuswap become the legacy for all citizens to enjoy in perpetuity.

For your convenience a sample letter has been provided:

Please fill out the electronic form below and it will be sent instantly via email to the Premier, Environment ministry, MLA's and local and regional governments in the Okanagan Shuswap Region. If you prefer, you can download one of the printer friendly versions and fax or mail it in.

Printer friendly versions of letter:
Microsoft Word
Adobe Acrobat/PDF

* Full contact information for your MLA, the Minister of Water Air and Land Protection, or the Premier is available on our links and resources page.

TO:
Premier Campbell and Minister Penner
Parliament Buildings
PO Box 9041
Stn. Prov. Govt.
Victoria, BC
V8W 9E1

From:
Of:
Email:

* (Please read and modify letter if desired to reflect your own feelings)

Re: Okanagan Shuswap Land Resource Management Plan (OKSLRMP)

Dear Premier Campbell, Minister Penner, and MLA's,
 
I am concerned that the implementation of Parks within the Okanagan Shuswap Land Use Plan (OKSLRMP) is being unduly delayed. This plan was negotiated by more than 30 stakeholders over a five-year period and concluded in September 2000.  The Provincial Government approved the plan in January 2001.
 
When your government took office you promised to honour all consensus land use agreements.  To date, you have broken that promise.  Currently 29 of the 49 parks agreed to under the OKSLRMP have not been upgraded to Class A park status - as per the original land use agreement.  These 29 parks are distributed throughout the Okanagan Shuswap region.
 
In the South Okanagan, former environment Minister Barisoff, acted in concert with the Regional District of Okanagan-Silmilkameen (RDOS) to ensure that seven Goal 1 and eight Goal 2 areas within the South Okanagan would not move forward to Class A parks - as agreed to.  Throughout the rest of the park system, excuses such as 'we may want to put a road through the park' are used to not move the Protected Area to full Class A status. Any of these types of issues can be dealt with by using the Environmental Land Use Act (ELUC) to designate road designations and move the rest of the area to Class A park status. 
 
The Okanagan Shuswap Land Use Plan created a framework of certainty, which in turn provides security for all stakeholders. That balance is now in jeopardy.  Your actions have already impacted stakeholders within the plan area. The majority of signatories to the land use plan do not support your actions.
 
I support the implementation of the Parks system in the Okanagan Shuswap.  Parks are created for numerous reasons, but most of all they represent a legacy for present and future generations.
 
Maintaining ecological integrity in a fragmented environment is a hard balance to achieve.  We must also appreciate these areas for their spiritual nature and the connection that they give us to our natural environment.
 
I request that your government honour the OKSLRMP land use agreement immediately by resolving road and access issues through the ELUC Act.   Please advise me how you will resolve this matter and ensure that our Parks are designated Class A as recommended by the land use plan.

Respectfully,

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How We Do It

EarthCare has used appeal processes, the court systems, discussions with politicians, corporations and stakeholder groups to create an atmosphere that fosters positive change. Over 90% of our work is educationally based.

We support the public in voicing their concerns on environmental issues that affect their lives. EarthCare hopes that you will utilize our website to become aware and effect change. Please use our take action section!! It is important to let decision makers know how you feel.

Our mission is to create change in a positive manner for the benefit of all. We hope you will join us.

Canadian EarthCare Society

Email: info@earthcares.org

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