Bear Beach once again

Why do I always seem to return to this place? Over the years I have been here on my own and with my classes, and it never fails to inspire me and restore my spirit. A few days ago I felt the need to do one more little trip to the wilds before heading across the pond, and couldn't decide if I should head up to the alpine or to the coast. A rolled over fuel-spilling tanker truck blocked the highway north at Goldstream, with environmental repercussions that will last for years, so I was obliged to head west.

Bear Beach. Take the old surfer trail down to Clinch Creek, then turn left, past the big sandstone cliffs. This time I had time and no students, so I had the chance to explore the area above the beach. Massive stumps and new growth, salal and twinflower and so many ferns. I tried to find my way down to the beach, but there was always impenetrable brush or cliffs or waterfalls preventing me. I followed deer tracks and creek beds and finally made it back to the trail. Apparently there is no easy way down or short-cut back.

What there was were survey stakes and flagging. This is one of the areas where West Vancouver developer Ender Ilkay wants to build a sprawling resort, consisting of cabins, homes, a lodge, spa and restaurant, all just above the Juan de Fuca Trail. He does own the land, even though there are politics behind removing the development lots from the tree farm license a few years ago and the lands still need to be rezoned. Still, the idea that this sort of project could move forward and infringe on the conservation that parks are created to preserve and on the wilderness experiences of visitors astounds me. I imagine the effects of this development when I bring students out to Bear Beach this fall or next - the sounds of construction on the ridge above our campsites, the trails leading down from the resort to the beach, the increased "tourist" traffic on what is now an isolated a wild feeling coast. And how will it affect the indigenous plants and animals? Yes, the land has been logged previously, but it is home to a diversity of life?

So I am trying to do my part. I am asking current and former students to get involved in this place that is a part of their experience, to write their representatives and CRD board members to stop this project from moving forward. Take action and find out more at from Sierra Club BC or the Wilderness Committee.