In lab 5, I examined the Garibaldi at Squamish Project and assessed how the construction of this recreational area would impact the surrounding environment. I posed as a natural resource planner retained by the British Columbia Snowmobile Federation (BCSF), who initially opposed the proposed project. I evaluated whether there was sufficient evidence to continue to oppose the project or whether the concerns could be addressed as part of the project:
“In regards to The Garibaldi at Squamish project, I have reviewed and examined the Environmental Assessment’s recommendations and Whistler’s criticism, supported by a cited 1974 report “climatological considerations rule out reliable skiing on the lower 555m of vertical”, to evaluate whether there is sufficient evidence for the British Columbia Snowmobile Federation (BCSF) to continue to oppose this project. I have calculated and composed a map of all protected areas within the project boundaries to give a clear view of the hurdles that would have to be overcome in the undertakings of this project.
As a natural resource planner, I considered red listed species, old growth forests, ungulate winter range, fish habitat/riparian areas around streams, and snow fall levels during the making of my ‘Protected Areas in The Garibaldi at Squamish Project Area’ map. Various questions I assessed were: “Will there be enough snow as calculated by elevation?”, “How much of the project area falls within old growth forests? Red-listed species? Riparian zones?”. After downloading the necessary data from DataBC, and filtering out data outside project boundary lines, I was able to calculate percentages of protected area using the total project area of 54707713.09205m2 to answer the above questions. My results were:
· 29.9% of the proposed project area is on the lower 555m of vertical
· 6.8% of the proposed project area is composed of Old Growth Forests
· 7.9% of the proposed project area is Mule Deer and Mountain Goat winter habitat
· 23.7% of the proposed project area are red-listed species including: Falsebox, Salal, Cladina, Kinnikinnick, Flat Moss, Deer Fern, and Cat’s Tail Moss
· 26% of the proposed project area are fish habitat/riparian areas around streams
· Sum of above protected areas = 64.4%
Considering overlap of protected areas, the sum of all the protected areas equates to 52.6% of the proposed project area. In addition, it is unknown if nearly 30% (the lower 555m of vertical) of the proposed project area is capable of receiving enough snow to support recreational use. My two greatest concerns are the fish habitat/riparian areas and red-listed species as they compose the largest percent of The Garibaldi at Squamish proposed area. Possible mitigation for these areas would be to raise awareness of these vital habitats and species, and to rope off large sections to prevent access to the public and avoiding building and constructing in these areas to also preserve wildlife. It’s difficult to say if these mitigation techniques will be successful as both red-listed species and riparian areas cover vast amounts of The Garibaldi at Squamish proposed land.
To conclude, The Garibaldi at Squamish Project needs to recognize the significant portion of protected areas in the proposed project land if construction wishes to begin. 52.6% is not a percentage that can be merely glanced over, but should be heavily mitigated to ensure preservation. The question must be asked if the importance of a winter recreational area trumps that of land in which vital species and habitats have lived and grown over the past many decades.”
I personally do not believe the project should be allowed to continue, falling in line with what I wrote in the above memo. I find the evidence against the project overwhelming as over half of the area that is proposed to be used is located in protected areas and 30% of the land cannot be held reliable for receiving enough snow fall to support snow recreational activities. I believe the land should be left to the protected species and habitat so they can continue to peacefully live and grow.