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National Park is a “blunt instrument” says Polak

mary22The province of BC is NOT looking at the idea of a proposed National Park.

The minister charged with that file is Mary Polak, Ministry of the Environment. Polak told ODN this morning in a lengthy telephone interview that the National Park is a blunt instrument that is not needed based on the toolbox that the province can supply in protecting the land, the endangered species and the way of life of the people in the South Okanagan-Similkameen.

The government of BC has no plan to re-engage in a debate and when asked about survey results indicating a desire for such a park she stated: “I understand completely how many people would answer viscerally to a National Park idea without knowing the consequences and the challenges it would cause to the land and the people. Our challenge as a government is to engage with stakeholders which Polak says she is doing and MLA Linda Larson is doing.

Polak met with both sides and the Okanagan Nation Alliance late last year. Observers to that process stated that both sides are fairly close together on all issues that concern them except for the National Park label.

Polak told both groups that she would issue a report in detail in 2015. In response to a question of a thorough and comprehensive planning document – Polak says she is hoping that this can be complete by the summer but is still working closely with the Okanagan Nation Alliance on mapping the area – with notations of important areas to preserve or enhance through management.

Question: Has Chief Clarence Louie been involved in those discussions? Quick response: I talked to Chief Louie yesterday by telephone keeping him up-to-date with everything that has transpired.

The protection of endangered species not mention in last press release of April 10 but Polak says the protection of the environment is the “driving force” behind what the government is doing and brings to the table.

“We can parcel together land and concepts to enhance the protection of the environment and the way of life of the people” “We must find that balance” but a National Park is not in the cards. We have the toolbox and we are set to use those tools including wildlife management areas.

On the role of MLA Linda Larson: “If it were not for Linda, the talk with native representatives and other groups would not be going ahead.”