Here is a detailed evaluation of the mine proposal that has already been submitted by the collaborative group: BC Grasslands Conservation Council, the Kamloops Naturalist Club, and the Kamloops & District Fish & Game Association: AIR_Comments_GCC_KNC_KDFGA_March12
Reminder: The deadline for public comments about the Ajax Mine Proposal to the BC Environmental Assessment Office (BCEAO) in coming up on March 27, 2012.
Hello, my name is Lee Williams and I have just finished a graduating essay for my degree in Natural Resource Sciences at TRU in Kamloops. My essay has direct relevance to the proposed Ajax mine because it considers Greenways and Greenbelts as feasible conservation strategies near/in urban environments.
Near the end of my report I investigate the impact and setbacks to conservation that the proposed mine extension will have. With at least 13 important or threatened species surrounding the mine and with less than 1% of BC’s landbase being grassland, I emphasize why it is important to not take this recent proposal lightly. I don’t think that the mine should go through due to too many ‘red-flags’, but if it must go through, I offer a possible mitigation strategy whereby a conversational network is established between Aberdeen and the mine that connects Peterson Creek Park and Kenna Cartwright Park. This would allow for connectivity for species, allow for a natural buffer, overlap with at least three provincially listed species, and of course it would be funded by Abacus/KGHM for the 23 years of their expected operation. I would like to send my report to anyone interested to add to the collection of information being considered.
Thank you,
Lee Williams
Natural Resource Science
Thompson Rivers University