A planned clear-cut for a stretch of forest outside the Crowsnest Pass has stirred up opposition. A group of activists have spent the past several weeks peacefully blockading the site. The Defenders of the Eastern Slopes as well as Crowsnest Pass residents have been set up near Allison Creek northwest of Coleman, and protesters are minding it around the clock. They want to stop the clear-cutting of a huge swath of forest. “We are very concerned about accelerating clear-cutting across the Eastern Slopes, very much in the Crowsnest Pass,” said Colin Smith, Defenders of the Eastern Slopes community liaison. “And there’s a beautiful forest here that’s slated to be a 1,100-acre clear-cut.” Between 60 and 70 people have been rotating in and out of the blockades. They’re trying to prevent the construction of a bridge needed for the logging. Protesters have already had several encounters with work crews. “Stopped West Fraser’s progression of moving the bridge that they need to cross Allison Creek in order to access the clear cut,” Smith said. “We’ve stopped them four times. It’s all been very professional. … We’re focused on safety as well as West Fraser.” West Fraser Timber is permitted to be there as part of the Government of Alberta’s community hazardous fuels reduction program to reduce the risk of wildfires. In a statement, West Fraser said, “The area proposed for harvest underwent an extensive planning process with the goal of reducing the risk of future wildfires while balancing key environmental considerations, including watershed values, hydrology, fisheries, riparian protection and recreation.” But the protesters are worried about the impact on wildlife, plant life and water in the area. They say preparing communities to handle fires should be the priority over clear-cutting. “We can protect people’s homes in advance by having metal roofs and non-flammable siding and removing flammable materials around people’s homes and critical infrastructure,” Smith said. CTV News reached out to the Ministry of Forestry and Parks, which did not provide a comment in time for broadcast. The Defenders of the Eastern Slopes say they plan to maintain their camp until at least the end of the month.
