Prince George, BC – Ranchers, trappers, farmers, and tour operators in the Cariboo took the opportunity to meet with NDP agriculture critic Lana Popham to discuss their concern with increased logging in the region.

More than 30 people from came out to speak with Popham during stops in Williams Lake and 100 Mile House this week to detail their specific concerns about increased logging, damage to their property from logging equipment, the loss of water, destruction of wildlife habitat, and, in some cases, the loss of their livelihood.

Popham points out that a report released by the Forest Practises Board this past December has recommended that a hydrological assessment be done in the region before any further logging occurs.  The report states that salvage logging was one of the factors contributing to the unexpected loss of water experienced by Big Creek ranchery, Randy Saugstad.

"I’ve been working closely with Randy Saugstad on this issue for some time," said Popham.  "But it was clear to me after (Thursday’s) meetings that Randy’s concerns are shared by many others in Williams Lake and 100 Mile House."

The NDP critic says those she met with were not only prepared to share their concerns about land use practises in the Cariboo and Chilcotin, they were prepared to work together with forest companies to find a solution.  "I was very impressed with their knowledge and their willingness to seek solutions and not assign blame."

Popham says government regulations – or the lack of them – are creating serious problems and the NDP will continue to work with ranchers and others to advocate for proper stewardship and regulation in the region.