Castle area logging protest continues

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Protesters (including Nikki the dog) continue to picket at the
site of proposed Castle Special Management Area logging
C. Davis photo

A rotating group of concerned citizens continues to man the pickets, protesting planned logging of the Castle Special Management Area south and west of Beaver Mines, alongside Highway 774.

According to protester Mike Judd, the protest has been manned continuously day and night since Wednesday, January 11, when a well attended press conference was held by Stop Castle Logging Group and the Castle-Crown Wilderness Coalition.  So far these citizens have managed to at least temporarily prevent the logging work from commencing.   Machines sit idle while a court order looms. The process for getting one may take several more days.  Daphne Smith reports the response from motorists passing by has been very positive, with many slowing and honking their horns in support.  That was very evident during the hour or so I spent there, with almost all of the passing vehicles acknowledging the protest in a positive manner.

The protest is scheduled to continue on Sunday, January 15. The weather is expected to be very cold, and participants are being advised to plan accordingly.

The Stop Castle Logging Group website asks that people pledge "To keep the camp a peaceful, lawful and respectful site," and for observance of the speed limit through the Hamlet of Beaver Mines.

For more information visit stopcastlelogging.wordpress.com
For the Voice story relating to Wednesday's press conference click here.