FOSBA Bulletin April 2025

Dear Friends,

As I write this it’s the morning after and it’s a nice morning with a promise of

sunshine by 11:00 am. The Liberals accomplished what few thought

possible last night and have returned to power. Apparently, the majority of

Canadians shore to shore to shore are also feeling a similar touch of

sunshine.

We now have a new prime minister who says he’s committed to producing

10 new national parks. https://liberal.ca/mark-carneys-liberals-to-protect-

canadas-nature-biodiversity-and-water/ Maybe our Mark Carney Liberal

government will find a way to help fund the purchase and establishment of

such a relatively small Stillwater Bluffs Park.

When we talk about biodiversity the finest examples are to be found in

those rare bioregions hidden away and protected in some way from human

activity. Our Stillwater Bluffs, especially precious in fronting Georgia Strait is

such a gem. It provides its flora and fauna with the unique opportunity to

exist as nature intended.

Unfortunately, this oceanfront habitat is in serious competition with us

humans as we fiercely desire to live and build our homes in such places,

and are willing to pay a fortune to do so. How this 118-acre parcel of

paradise has escaped the chainsaw, the dynamite, the bulldozers, and the

nail guns is a modern day miracle. We have been known to complain

strenuously about the seeming unfairness of how it came to be owned by a

giant forestry company who also unfairly pays miniscule taxes to keep it.

Yet it is perhaps these very circumstances that have helped it to remain

mostly untouched for over a hundred years. For with deep pockets and little

taxation there is little pressure on the owner to do anything with it.

A short meeting with Randene Neil

On April 18 th FOSBA board member Andy Durie and I had a meeting with

Randene Neil, our MLA. Randene is very supportive of our efforts and is

keen to be given a tour of the Bluffs as soon as her busy schedule can find

a spare moment. Randene’s former employer was the B.C. Parks

Foundation, which uses government funding together with crowdfunding

and donations from wealthy philanthropists to help purchase parkland. She

offered to inquire with her various connections, and we welcome and

appreciate her advice.

Scare

In late March we heard a rumour of impending logging about to happen in

the Stillwater area. We immediately reached out to various government

officials. Eventually were able to verify that the rumour was seemingly

unfounded. At this time we are not totally convinced and so are keeping a

close watch. Please help us in reporting any unusual activities or markings.

Hiking the Bluffs

It’s springtime, the wild flowers are in show and many of you will be

heading out for a hike.

- Please be respectful of the locals when parking.

- Dogs should be leashed

- Where possible tread on stone. As the weather dries, the mosses

become brittle and crush under foot.

- The terrain can be hazardous. Dress accordingly, walk slowly and

carefully. Absorb the beauty.

- Leave no trace

- The trailhead and trail going through the Fuller property off Stillwater

School Road will be closed to the public for the month of August in

respect of the wishes of Clarke and Sheri as they have family with small

children visiting. The other access point off Hollingsworth road will be

available as normal.

Graphic artist needed

Is there a graphic artist out there willing to help design graphics for a new

run of FOSBA T shirts? Reply here.

Happy Springtime wanderings

Lauritz