30 March, 2006

The Youbou TimberLess Society (YTS) conducted a four-day logging truck count between Monday, 20 March and Thursday, 23 March (6:30 AM to 4:30 PM) at the Crofton turn-off of the Trans-Canada Highway immediately north of Duncan. The volunteer counting station documented 953 loaded trucks. With trucks actually rolling 7 days a week, that number inflates to at least 1667 loads. For comparison, TimberWest's Youbou Lumbermill operation consumed about 343 trucks per week before it was permanently closed in January 2001. (Based on 35 cubic metres per truck.)

This action was coordinated in conjunction with the Save Our Valley Alliance (SOVA) of Port Alberni. They recorded a simultaneous count on "The Hump" and scored 378 loaded trucks.

These sober facts are derived from just two spots on Vancouver Island. There are many more trucks feeding tidewater load-out points up and down the length of this island. This wholesale export of timber represents the direct loss of jobs and economic potential to our communities. The unsustainable rate of harvest also destroys watershed values and further undermines the future viability of our communities.

For more information, contact YTS Director Ken James at 746-8684 or cell 701-1682.

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