Dear Editor,
I would like to comment on Mr. Radcliffe’s March 20, 2025, opinion piece.
To be frank, he lambastes e-mailers and gives the impression that 108 residents should be ashamed to “lobby” the CRD without first being a volunteer for the 108 Community Association. Perhaps Mr. Radcliffe is not aware that 108 residents give their time and money to many other worthy causes as well.
His pride in CRD Area G director, Al Richmond is evident. This brings me to point out that the Cariboo Regional District is the paid, governing body of this region, with the power to issue by-laws to protect people and nature. The concerns they have NOT addressed on the 108 are:
1. The 108 Lake and Walker Valley trails have no leash by-laws. Residents witness dogs running through private property, chasing bike riders and wildlife. Perhaps a dog park is an option for this area.
2. The integrity of “country-living” and co-existing with our self-sufficient native trees and nature is at risk. When residents cut down and sell all the timber on their lots, it leaves a huge impact. Most BC communities have tree removal by-laws. Imagine what a treeless, lawn-only, 108 subdivision would look like. Now imagine the speed of a grass fire in the 108 when we are in a drought and can’t water. Our native trees and nature deserve protection.
3. 108 property owners do fire mitigate keeping their yards free of dead trees and branches. However, many of us had an issue when the CRD did a heavy mitigation project during nesting and baby season last spring. The displacement of our wildlife was evident.
As a family who has been here for four generations, perhaps our insight is different than Mr. Radcliffe's. Due to the rapid population and tourism growth, our area needs new regulations to reflect community changes, as well as education for those who aren't used to living with nature.
To those of you who have concerns about leash laws, please check out the petition below on this matter.
https://www.change.org/p/enact-leash-laws-for-108-mile-ranch-trails
Sincerely,
Heidi Lier
108 Mile Ranch
