To The Editor:
RE: Respect for all Taxpayers Rights
In reply to Mr Marvin’s letter of June 27, stating that he is not aware of any Crown land sold in our area.
We suggest we all must keep in mind our current provincial government plans to sell a large amount of our assets to private interests. We would guess this will likely include our Crown land. This will of course restrict to an even greater degree access to areas where those of us who do not own undeveloped land can enter and enjoy recreational pursuits.
As to our neighbors to the south surely we can learn from all, not just the U.S.A. What happens on private land does affect many of us in many ways, as this area is the only place in all of Canada that has the habitat to support so many species not found in the rest of Canada. We do note that we have also wiped out some species such as the jack rabbit and sage grouse. I agree that land owners certainly have the right to restrict access to their private property. It is of great importance that all the rest of Canadian citizens can enjoy our habitat and many rare species that are in this area.
I took part in the Land and Resource management Plan (LRMP) for many years and it is important for Mr. Marvin to understand that the province has cancelled the LRMP monitoring group years ago and there is now very little protection. A national park would give the rest of taxpayers access to areas that remain unchanged by agricultural and other human endeavors. This of course would be on a willing buyer and willing seller basis.
Harry Nielsen, Osoyoos