Dear Editor:
I would like to thank Richard McGuire for drawing attention to the No National Park petition front page Osoyoos Times December 13, 2017.
Unlike the pro-park group the no-park side is not funded by large nonresident groups with very deep pockets loaded with money and influence to burn to get their way.
I am led to believe Tony Iannella and one of his neighbours initiated the No National Park petition as they live in an area that will likely be adjacent to, if not totally engulfed by, this proposed park. That is still an unknown as there are yet no specifics on any of the issues including borders. So for those who would like to join in the petition the site address is:
https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-1360
Having read Mr. McGuire’s article, one glaring observation comes to mind.
Had even a small percentage of the effort, time and money spent on trying to force a national park in this area been directed at solving the perceived problems with the B.C. Provincial Parks system; the existing provincial park would have been enlarged and in place long ago and that would have been done without giving up provincial sovereignty.
Furthermore, the solving of these perceived problems would have enriched the whole province rather than causing extreme turmoil and distress in one small area; while trying to create a park that would lessen the environmental stewardship and create substantial economic hardship on current agricultural operations in the area.
Rick Knodel
Oliver, B.C.
