Residents of High River, Longview and Black Diamond areas have recently found out that there will be extensive logging around Highwood Junction, the southern gateway to Kananaskis Country, next winter. While few Kananaskis trails will be affected — Lower Etherington Creek trail will become a haul road once again, as will the start to Baril Creek — the proposed blocks along the Highwood River slated for clear-cut will be clearly visible from Hwy. 40 and from Junction Hill to the north.
View from Junction Hill across Highwood Junction to the areas to be logged.
The “villain” appears to be a BC-based company, Balcaen Consolidated Contracting Ltd. with the head office in Vernon. Their contractor locally is CCI Inc. who have an office in Cochrane. Work to build access roads in the area will begin in August.
A group of concerned recreational users has started a Facebook page “Take a Stand for the Upper Highwood” where you can find more information. There is also an article in the Western Wheel.
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I’ve Known the company and it’s owner for a number of years. They also own and operate one of the largest cattle ranches in Canada. (Coldstream Ranch) Prior to purchased was for the most part in my opinion ill managed and much deteriorated.
Today it could be set as an example of a properly ran enterprise. Well kept and a pleasure to see the upgrades applied. Being a rancher totally understands the value of respecting the land base.
I don’t believe there is any great concern to worry about. It will be done properly.
http://www.countrylifeinbc.com/lettuce-build.html
I cannot believe that our government would allow a Bc company to clear cut in the kananaskiss area especially when they are putting up such a stink over the pipeline needed for the economic development of Canada as a while
Thanks Katrina. I am more concerned about the visual impact around Highroad house than the actual logging. I understand the logging company has changed some blocks to reduce this problem.
This is a Tiny contract… those blocks are super small, and they’ll probably end up planting 5:1 ratio for what they cut down. between fires and mountain pine beetle that forest is all going to be gone soon anyways, might as we’ll make use of it. I’d be down to plant some Alberta Canfor cream.
What is the track record of Balacaen Consolidated and C.C.I?
Better to log it and use the wood, than lose it to fire.
The word villain is used somewhat tongue-in-cheek which is why I put it in parentheses. While Spray Lakes Sawmills is locally owned and operated I question a major international company such as Canfor being given timber rights in the Kananaskis. The areas to be clearcut were logged many years ago and the original agreement was probably renewable. As you say, it it is our Provincial government who need to hear our concerns.
ORCA (Outdoor Recreation Council of Alberta) whose spokesperson is currently Albi Sole has also been alerted about this after I received a plea from a trapper in the area. ORCA is concerned with the development of a template for land use on the Eastern Slopes area in Alberta.