Good Morning Friends, on Tuesday February 18 I attended the BC’s Communities Forestry Rally in Victoria. I supported the loggers in their concerns and I posted it on both my personal and business pages because I felt strongly about the issue, passionate about the subject. Although I don’t often post political or controversial topics on the TideLine.Org Fan Page as we strive to keep it glass related – Tuesday was my exception with no apologies.
We received some positive messages of support and unfortunately a few from those who disagree with this stance. Respectfully I’d like to take a moment to reply and share with you all why I personally support the movement.
Forestry is what I grew up with, my dad was a BC logger who traveled to Dominica BWI with his family in tow to support, educate and promote self sufficiency through logging. He also logged the Queen Charlotte’s, Vancouver Island and the mainland. He supported our family by logging, respecting the woods and teaching others his craft.
I married a logger. For 41 years now my husband has provided a living for his family in the logging industry. During these adult years there has been much controversy over the cutting of trees, old growth, clear cutting etc. Education is wonderful, in order to defend our families stance on the logging industry I have had to ask some tough questions.
As you most of you know Toni and I are very environmentally conscious, this didn’t just happen, it was learned. When we opened our business nearly 15 years ago my mother bought jean material and sewed re-usable bags for our product, she didn’t like the fact that we had plastic ones. Following her example the Tidal Balls are up cycled glass reused that otherwise would end up in our landfill. Our cedar frames and much of our displays are and were made from old fences, cupboards, hand railings and decks. If you have seen our workspace – nothing gets wasted. 
My husband, his father, my father and my brother will all tell you that loggers are more environmentally sound than most people. They have rehabilitated forests, cleaned up after tourists, built roads for said tourists to access camp grounds, coveted fishing holes, hiking trails, mountain bike trails and so much more. They have cleaned and maintained fish streams and creeks. Lived by what ever you bring into the bush you take out. They have fought fires that civilians have started, sorted garbage, made animal proof receptacles to protect the wild life from becoming dependant on humans. They have been involved with the rehabilitation of any and all sites they have logged. They have educated themselves on clean ups should an oil or gas spill happen, they have learned how to maintain the forest like a garden, it is a renewable resource that has been cultivated and cared for. They know from experience that ‘clear cut’ logging is not only a more economical way to log but in many cases a much safer and environmentally friendly means to harvest the forest. Selective harvesting can and has resulted in windfall and slides which causes destruction or contamination of fish creeks and or streams. In British Columbia; there are several towns that house between 20-40% who are dependant on the forestry industry to feed their families. Which in turn feeds many others.
I am proud to be a loggers wife, a loggers daughter, a loggers sister, and a loggers neighbour. Standing at the BC Communities Forestry Rally on Tuesday was a most empowering feeling. Sometimes you just need to share your point of view because this friends is important and I knew that standing on the grass in front of our Parliament Building was the right place for me.
