Honorable Al Gore
2100 West End Avenue
Suite 620, Nashville, TN 37203
Fax: 615-327-1323
Phone: 615-327-2227
Urgent—Regarding: Impending Appellate Court Proceedings to Protect Watersheds in British Columbia, Canada
Dear Mr. Gore,
We are currently in the midst of a costly legal battle to protect the Sunshine Coast watershed, and by implication, watersheds in communities throughout British Columbia and across the Nation. This is a landmark issue. A Supreme Court Judge just ruled against our government (the Sunshine Coast Regional District) that also serves as our Board of Health. The SCRD had issued an order restricting logging in the watershed.
Such activities, which pollute our water supplies and destroy vast tracts old growth rain forest, are supported, and even mandated by the government in the interests of logging companies.
Our campaign has garnered substantial community support, and attracted national media attention. As a result, we were able to raise some $40,000 for our initial court fees. Although our own watershed area is already partially destroyed, It can still be saved if steps are taken immediately. We feel that it is essential to see the case through to its logical conclusion in the court of appeals. Our attorney tells us we have grounds for appeal based upon points of law, and has advised us to proceed. A loss would only reinforce old precedents, including a rejection of the "precautionary principle", while a win will not only preserve our drinking water, but set a precedent for numerous communities nationwide. It could also save vast tracts of precious North American forest. At this juncture, however, we are faced with the challenge of securing the necessary funding for this action in the short time provided us.
We will be happy to send you additional video information to an email address of your choosing. It would take only a few minutes to watch. www.youtube.com/digitaldebbi (featuring yourself and Premier Gordon Campbell, in Vancouver, B.C.)
Your assistance in any way would be greatly appreciated. Funding of course is an urgent requirement since we as private (many of us Senior) citizens have been forced to take a logging company to court in order to try to protect our drinking water. Certainly, a letter of support from you, recognizing that logging the forest cover in drinking watersheds poses not only a health risk, but is at odds with the values associated with a healthy planet would be valuable. Any advice you could give us would be hugely appreciated.
Your visit to British Columbia to raise awareness about climate change is an invaluable step in the cause we share. Thank you. Unfortunately, you shared the podium with our Premier, Gordon Campbell, who is not being upfront about his government's "green agenda." The truth is, that while symbolic tree seedlings were being handed out, old growth forests in our watershed were being clearcut. Need we say more!
Thank you for the valuable work you are doing. Your Nobel Peace Prize is richly deserved.
Yours Sincerely,
Fern Walker and Michael Siddall
On behalf of Concerned Citizens of the Sunshine Coast
Michael's contact info:
Phone/Fax 604.740.8369 or email publish_mags@uniserve.com
Ste.121 - 5780 Trail Ave., RR6,
Sechelt, B.C. V0N 3A6