To Len Hailey
Director – Timberlands& Properties Division
Island Timberlands

October 4th, 2005

Re: Sale of the Cortes Island Bartholomew Properties


Dear Len

The four Island Timberland Bartholomew properties that being offered for sale are of broad significance to the island community. As you know, they lie adjacent to Manson’s Landing, the main centre of the Cortes community. These lands were part of Cortes’ original Community Forest plan and are crucial on the southern island.

In our meeting with you here on Cortes in August, you stated your firm desire for a ‘graceful exit’ from Cortes. In this vein, we would like to make some suggestions for your consideration when selecting buyers for these four parcels.

For years, our membership, who represents the majority of the adult island population, has reaffirmed its commitment to establishing ecoforestry practices on Cortes’ forest lands. We strongly recommend that in reviewing offers you receive on these parcels you consider the prospective purchasers intent and its impact on the south island.

• We recognize the sovereignty of the Klahoose First Nation in this - their traditional territory. We recognize and support the Klahoose First Nation in their aboriginal rights and interests in their traditional territory which includes Cortes island.
• We strongly value forestry that is in line with our island-wide ecosystem-based plan. This means harvesting only a portion of the forest’s annual growth and retaining a fully functioning forest at all temporal and spatial levels. We strongly take issue with clearcuts and all the associated timber leaving the island.
• The well developed and used system of walking/riding trails exist through these lands. There is a strong will on the island to see these become a public and permanent fixture in the community. The community has also come to consider Hanks Beach public space and would very much value continued overland access to this beach and surrounding area in the form of a protected area.
• Cortes is fortunate to have many highly skilled woodworkers – from forest techs and fallers to builders and cabinet makers. Three phase power on Bartholomew road offers the opportunity to create a value-added processing facility; a part of the desire for forest-related economic development on Cortes.

In light of our mutual desire for a ‘graceful exit’ by Island Timberlands from Cortes, and in the interest of maintaining a positive relationship in the future, we would ask that you give serious consideration to the above community interests alongside your financial interests in the sale of these parcels.


Sincerely, Noba Anderson,
Executive Director