[Paddlewise] Hatchet Job on WKI (was RE: Trip Planning -- Northern California)

From: Doug Lloyd <dougl_at_islandnet.com>
Date: Mon, 18 Jun 2001 22:23:07 -0700
Matt said:

Pretty strong stuff Doug, I hoped it wasn't true. So I asked my friend
John
Dowd about my friend Doug Lloyd's allegations. Here is an edited (for
family
consumption) version of what John Dowd had to say:

<snip John Dowd's response>

Matt (et al),
I thought I already posted a subsequent retraction to the list. I
suppose John never got those details. Anyway, the situation on the BC
Central Coast is a bit mixed up at the moment. And indeed, my source
informs me that there has been an exchange of e-mails in an attempt to
sort out some of the issues like insensitive advertising, environmental
impact problems, etc. (with tour companies). Unfortunately for me, wires
were indeed a bit crossed, and WKI was not the company in question. As
John states, WKI hasn't done any tours/classes in the area yet. I'll
leave the real  "who" and "what" specifics alone, as my information is
all anecdotal, so somewhat suspect in terms of accuracy (and I don't
need any more legal action overshadowing my life,  lest my wife truly
pull my modem out -- and a lot more).

I did send a note off to John D, and hopefully he will accept it with
some degree of statesmanship (for a writer of children's books, he sure
has a way with adult words). He's welcome to take legal action against
me, but most folk like to fish for the big Chinooks -- not small minnow
like me. I think a judge would definitely find me guilty of having a big
mouth though. They can take my pink house., just leave me The Nordkapp.

Obviously, either John accessed PW or someone on this list forwarded him
my e-mail. I know it wasn't you Matt. However, strong statements deserve
strong rebuttal - no problem. Hatchet job? Yeah, wasn't exactly surgical
percision.

And possible feelings of hatred aside that John might still have for me
after the passing on of missinformation, I do hope he and others see the
context of my concern and comments. The situation in the back country
-- and along popular water trail potential sites for that matter -- is
one of increasing pressure. Government, native interests, ecotourism,
etc, all form a complex matrix that I have no real answers too. I had
hoped Wavelength would keep us more abreast of the situation and/or
report more on it -- but who likes controversy?

I do have reliable information with respect to the way tent sites have
been left on the Central Coast with old tarps left behind, modified
forest incursions, garbage not packed out, and toilet arrangements that
were far less than environmentally sensitive. On the plus side, it is
worth noting that given the number of paddlers out on the coast these
days, it is surprising (overall), how well behaved most paddlers are
around miden sites, etc.

One last note:
The Kitasoo/Xaixais First Nation have put into place a new Land Use
Plan. Paddlers planing to paddle in the Klemtu area might want to check
out <www.kitasoo.org> before commencing trips, or call Evan Loveless at
(250) 721-9078. For those wanting more information about the contentious
issues framed-in by my indiscreet post can contact Pat Kirvin at:
 <odyssey_at_island.net>

Don't tell 'em Doug set you. Back to paddling where its easier to
backpaddle.

doug





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Received on Tue Jun 19 2001 - 00:09:33 PDT

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