2293days since
The infamous planning 'charrette' on Echo Heights Forest by North Cowichan which brought the community together into the CRA

Community Bulletin Board

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Hot Tips
From E.J. - Those old creasote ties along the E&N should be disposed of properly. There is a big pile just above Askew Creek.
From Mary - People are already starting to dump their yard waste in ditches and along the railway line. This just spreads invasive species. We have free yard waste dumping at Peerless Road. Use it!
From Rodney - The old MacMillan haul road is getting to be a pig sty. Why do people throw their garbage there? It pollutes Mill Creek and looks ugly.
From T.R.J. - Askew Park is called a "wilderness park". Why doesn't someone (the muni, CRA, Communities in Bloom) take care of the invasive plants like the daphne, blackberry, holly, ivy and other stuff?
From F.R. - I see the Victoria Police are cracking down on loud motorcycles and cars. Can North Cowichan RCMP start doing the same thing? Chemainus and Victoria Roads need policing for noise and speed.
From Don - Communities in Bloom do hard work at the roundabout, but why plant all those annuals and exotics that need watering. We have some great native plants in our yard that are beautiful, perennial and NEVER need watering.

Robert Bateman calls for preservation of Echo Heights Forest

The artist Robert Bateman has once again given his support to the campaign to preserve Echo Heights Forest.

During an airport stopover, while returning from a trip to Siberia and Russia, the world-renowned painter sent North Cowichan council a message about its plans to develop the 52-acre municipal property. The message reads:

 Henry David Thoreau said, "In wilderness is the preservation of the world." We all know that wilderness all over the world is threatened, but urban wilderness is in the most serious crisis. Recent research in Europe, American and Japan has shown the beneficial effect of nature for body, mind and spirit.

 Particularly in young people, the frazzling electronic world is creating serious physical and mental problems. Nearby nature is essential for healing these increasing maladies.

 South Vancouver Island has precious and unique ecosystems. Echo Heights Forest is a beautiful example that needs to be preserved and protected. It will be even more precious as years go by and the world becomes more hectic.

It is the second time the Salt Spring Island artist – known primarily for his wildlife paintings – has supported the Echo Heights campaign. In early 2006, as the campaign to preserve the Chemainus forest was beginning, Bateman donated an etching of a Barred owl, which is one of the many animal residents of the forest. The CRA adopted an owl for its logo and later sold the etching at a silent auction, which raised more than $3,000 to kick-off, the fight for the forest.


The CRA is honoured that Mr. Bateman took time in his busy schedule to talk about the importance of Echo Heights Forest. It has been nearly 2,000 days since he sent us his etching. That really energized the CRA’s campaign to preserve this unique and precious community asset.

Since 2006,defenders of Echo Heights have multiplied. Their arguments include:

Echo Heights is a treasure – Dr. Nancy Turner, ethnobotanist ands UVic professor of distinction

Why are you cutting down our pharmacy? – Augie Sylvester, Penelakut Tribe council and elder

It is a good example of a recovering Coastal Douglas Fir forest – Dave Polster, biologist

This is a very important place for our people – Florence James, Penelakut Tribe, VIU elder-in-residence

I don't think anything within North Cowichan is as beautiful and as spiritual as Echo Heights is – Garrett Elliott North Cowichan councillor

More than 1,400 people have signed a petition asking North Cowichan to preserve the entire forest. Kiemele said that more than 85 per cent of the signers are residents of the municipality, many from outside Chemainus.

The public hearing is tentatively scheduled for July 21. Council is due to give second reading of a comprehensive development plan for Echo Heights on July 6. The public hearing date and venue will be finalized at that time.