March 6, 2012

Dear Ms Clark,

I write to express my full and enthusiastic support for the Summer RAMP (Recreational Access Management Plan) process that is currently taking place in Smithers. I am a Smithers resident and landowner, and I feel privileged to call the Bulkley Valley my home. 

The value of the RAMP process lies in its aim to provide sound guidance for government land use policy and decision-making, and also as a tremendous opportunity for our diverse community to engage in a consultative, consensus-based process.  Grass-roots engagement that holds space for all voices to have a say is a critical element of thriving community. Our community needs this process.

The volunteers serving on the Bulkley Valley Community Resources Board, the Recreational Subcommittee, and the RAMP Table Members represent the views and values of both motorized and self-propelled recreationists. The process has embodied and demonstrated inclusion and balance at every level.

Land and Resource Management Plans and Official Community Plans bring harmony and certainty to land-use; so, too, will a completed RAMP. The health and resilience of the Valley and our community depend on the RAMP recommendations, as well as the dialogue and relationship-building inherent in the RAMP process. 

Sincerely,

Erin Hart
  
Cc: Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources Operations

Terry Lake, Minister of Environment

Doug Donaldson, MLA for Stikine

Adrian Dix, MLA and Leader of the Opposition

Jill Dunbar, Executive Assistant BVCRB