RE: [Paddlewise] Was Rant: now, access and Gulf Islands

Hi Philip,

At 03:00 PM 03/02/2005 -0500, kayakwriter_at_netscape.net wrote:

>Kayakers and other boaters need to do their part by respecting private
>land, whether it's fenced or only signposted. It's the law that makes the
>beach public, and it's the law that makes the higher ground private.
>Common sense and courtesy by both landowners and "landers" would make it
>all go much smoother.


I couldn't agree more.


>Re the rock wall on Forest Island. If he had no permit, isn't that
>unauthorised alteration of the marine environment? Can he be made to
>dismantle it? Ibve heard of similar things when cottage owners have
>installed docks and ramps without getting them approved in advance.


Well we have some of the strongest environmental legislation in the world
out here in BC.  And by God we've got two environmental agents and a budget
of $3.46 cents to back them up.  They're feared by every millionaire and
every other clown that believes they're above the law.

I was out at my in laws waterfront home in East Sooke with some friends
last year.  We planned to launch and head out into Juan da Fuca for a day
paddle in the surge and currents.  The beach was covered in toilet
paper.  At first I wanted to blame the cruise ships that go up and down the
Strait.  But that seems really unlikely.  Even if they had dumped their
sewage  I'm not convinced that the tides and winds would carry it into the
bay.  The bay is directly across from Whiffin Spit for those who are
familiar with the area.  My in laws home is adjacent to the illegally
constructed wharf that juts out into the narrows about 150 meters.

I've since ruled out a faulty sewage tank system.  I'm convinced there are
lots of those in the Sooke Basin but I don't think the effluent coming out
of them would contain toilet paper.  I suspect the real culprit was some
pleasure boat that simply dumped the holding tank rather then pay to get it
pumped out at the dock.

In any event we rescheduled our bracing and rolling sessions until we were
well away from the immediate area.  We also kept the kids and dogs off the
beach for the rest of the week.

What can you do.

Gordin Warner
Victoria BC
>





>Cheers,
>
>Philip
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