To the BC Hydro Operations, Planning, Safety and Information Technology Committee;

On July 23 , 2024 it was observed that Precision Tree Services was cutting brush and limbing trees in way of the BC Hydro power lines along Smelt Bay Road and two days later, along Beazley Rd, Mansons Landing, Cortes Island. I also observed another contractor doing the same work along the power lines in Alert Bay, Cormorant Island on July 23, 2024. According to the Environment and Natural Resources Canada Nesting Calendars for the General Nesting Periods of Migratory Birds, during the period July 20-27, in Nesting Zone A1 Forest Habitats (our zone), we can expect that 41-60% of migratory birds are still actively nesting. As you know, power saws, chippers, heavy trucks and humans can be incredibly damaging and disruptive to nesting birds.

I would expect that BC Hydro would adopt a best practices approach and require that their contractors plan their operations in accordance with the Migratory Birds Convention Act and the Migratory Birds Regulations. This work should have been postponed until after August 11 or before March 12, when the Nesting Calendar indicates it is clear of nesting birds.

Cortes Islanders certainly recognize the risk for wild fire posed when branches and vegetation come in to contact with power lines and we appreciate the work being done to keep the island Fire Safe. But a slight change in scheduling would help to keep the wildlife safe too.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Mike Moore
Mansons Landing,
Cortes Island, BC