Very Successful Rally Held January 20

Photo: Barbara Amos

Despite the generally grey January skies, there was a festive feeling in the air as friends, neighbours, and defenders of wilderness and wildlife got together to rally against clear-cut logging in the Castle Special Place.

Photo: Gordon Petersen

And even though the feeling was friendly, the participants remain resolute in their determination to have clear-cut logging stopped once and for all in the Castle.

Many of those carrying signs were veterans of similar rallies in the past, including the demonstrations that lasted for three bitterly-cold weeks last January.

Photo: Gordon Petersen

Hats off to these determined folks, and to their continuing and spirited defence of the Castle, and of the wild things that live there!

Photo: Gordon Petersen

Please join us at a Stop Castle Logging Rally on Sunday, January 20 in Beaver Mines.

As many of you will know, Spray Lake Sawmills (SLS) is currently clear-cut logging in the Castle. The provincial government gave SLS permission to complete the first year of logging that was delayed by last winter’s protests.

The Castle logging scheduled for years two and three has been put on hold pending the outcome of the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan (SSRP),  but it has not been cancelled. We still have work to do.

The January 20 Rally is meant to make three main points:

1. Even though it’s already started, we continue to oppose this year’s logging—we haven’t simply given up and gone away.

2. The logging scheduled for years two and three needs to be permanently cancelled.

3. There needs to be a review of all logging along the eastern slopes. Valley-by-valley protest and conflict is no way to manage our forest resources.

Rally Details

Location: Beaver Mines gazebo, in the park directly behind the Beaver Mines store. (Please park on 2nd Avenue so as not to fill the store’s parking lot.) The gazebo has heat, and we’ll have a fire going outside. The rally will proceed regardless of the weather.

Timing: Coffee and Hot Chocolate will be on at 11:00 am. Lunch will be provided from about 12:00 noon until 1:00. From about 1:00 to 2:00 pm, we’ll make the short walk to stand with our signs in public areas along the main road running through Beaver Mines (Hwy 774).

Entertainment: Sid Marty will be on hand to read some of his poetry, and perhaps play a few tunes. We may also have some other entertainment over lunch.

Other info:  Please bring your own sign. Be creative, we expect the press to be there.

Please respect private property, and stick to public areas.

Be respectful of the neighbours, and of the traffic.

There are limited toilet facilities, and no running water at the gazebo.

RSVP: So we can organize the food, please contact Carolyn at the CCWC office ASAP if you’re planning to have lunch, (403) 627-5059, office@ccwc.ab.ca.

Please pass this message on to others who you think may be interested.

Hope to see you there!