April 15, 2010

Macdonald makes statement of support for the
David Thompson Heritage Lands

VICTORIA – In the Legislature today, Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald made a statement of support for the David Thompson Heritage Lands. In celebration of the 200th Anniversary of David Thompson’s first journey across the Athabasca Trail, a proposal has been brought forward to establish a National Historical Site.

Thursday, April 15, 2010, Afternoon:

N. Macdonald: David Thompson is one of Canada's most fascinating historical figures, and in the Columbia Valley he is particularly celebrated. In January, 1811 he travelled up the Whirlpool River in what is now Jasper National Park and over the Continental Divide down to the Upper Wood River, which is a tributary of the Columbia River. This followed an established First Nations route.

Next summer the communities of Revelstoke, Golden and Invermere will celebrate the bicentennial of David Thompson's initial journey through the Athabasca Trail. This 200-year anniversary is an ideal time to commemorate his legacy through the creation of the David Thompson Heritage Lands. The Upper Wood River is an area largely untouched by people. In fact, Wood River Forestry, which has cutting rights in the area, has voluntarily surrendered those rights to keep the area protected. Back-country users in Golden and Revelstoke have also agreed that this special place should remain wild.

My wife Karen and I hiked the Athabasca Trail a couple of summers ago. It is true wilderness. We saw wolves and a lot of mosquitoes. Currently the Minister of Forests has signed off on a change to the Kootenay Boundary higher level plan to protect the area because of its historical and environmental significance.

Now the hope is that the Athabasca Trail will be made a National Heritage Site, and the provincial government, of course, has a role in that designation. People in Revelstoke and Golden certainly hope that this area's pristine environment and ecological integrity can be safeguarded, along with recognition of the historical significance of the Athabasca Trail. The David Thompson Heritage Lands will make a fine addition to Canada's National Historic Site system.

BACKGROUNDER:

The proposed David Thompson Heritage Lands (DTHL) includes the Athabasca pass and surrounding area.  This pristine wilderness area remains untouched, and appears today very much as it did when David Thompson first travelled there.

Forest tenure holders and backcountry users have all agreed to designate the area as deep wilderness, non-motorized.

Successful designation of the David Thompson Heritage Lands as a National Historic Site requires the support of the BC government.

The Town of Golden and Ron Oszust, Regional Director CSRD, have provided letters of support to the proposal.