You would think The Friends of French Creek Conservation Society would be asking the Guardians of Mid-Island Estuaries as to what is allowed to be done to French Creek estuary. They apparently tell the public what should be done with other estuaries. Could it just be that people are allowed to destroy estuaries, but wildlife can’t? Sounds like the same old “money and people” triumph over wildlife and natural habitats. Overgrazing of vegetation by wildlife has been happening around the world for millennia. It results in the wildlife having to move elsewhere or die of starvation. The overgrazed area then recovers. The same does not occur when humans destroy habitat to create subdivisions.
Invasive, non-migrating humans are doing a thousand times more habitat destruction on this Island than all wildlife combined. Look at the homes, commercial buildings, marina, and breakwater that have replaced the natural habitat at French Creek estuary. New plans could have up to 171 residential units comprised of townhouses, duplexes and condominiums. It could also include up to 30,000 sq.-ft. of commercial space.
I suggest people take a look at the three other estuaries closest to Parksville and take note of the lush vegetation growing at all three. At the same time, notice the erosion that takes place due to normal tidal action, flooding and winter storms. Or let’s just blame that on goose destruction as well.
Tony Markle
Parksville