I received this today in response to my e-mail. Haven't heard from anyone else as yet.

"Thank you for your correspondence regarding the Spotted Owl in BC. I have included a media release for you so that you may have an understanding of my position and the position of the NDP Opposition on this critical issue. Thanks again.

Sincerely,

Shane Simpson MLA

Vancouver Hastings

Environment Critic




(Community Office)

ph: 604.775.2277 fax: 604.775.2352

2365 East Hastings Street

Vancouver, BC V5L 1V6



(Victoria Office)

ph: 250.387.3655 fax: 250.387.4680

Room 201

Legislative Buildings

Victoria, BC V8V 1X4





For Immediate Release

December 6, 2005


SIMPSON SAYS PENNER LACKS COMMITMENT TO SPECIES AT RISK


VICTORIA – Species at risk can expect no protection from the B.C. government if Environment Minister Barry Penner's actions regarding the spotted owl are any indication, New Democrat Environment Critic Shane Simpson said Tuesday.

Simpson, the NDP MLA for Vancouver – Hastings, said Penner's recent comments about the endangered bird, coupled with the ministry's continued refusal to release their Spotted Owl Management Plan, doesn't bode well for species at risk in this province.

Penner told Global News last week that increased logging activity is beneficial to spotted owls, because it opens up grassland for the owls' prey.

"The Minister's comments show he's either ignorant about the research done by biologists, and even by consultants hired by industry, or he's shilling for the logging industry," said Simpson.

Three forest firms voluntarily withdrew plans to log in spotted owl habitat, but a permit was recently issued to Cattermole Timber in the Hope area. The population of spotted owls has steadily declined since 1994, when there were 200 breeding pairs in the province. There are now only six breeding pairs in all of British Columbia.

"The Minister is sitting on a Spotted Owl Management Plan that was completed in 2004 but was never released to the public," said Simpson. "Apparently he's content to sit back and watch the Spotted Owl go extinct in British Columbia."

Simpson said scientists have been explicit that the only solution is to halt activity in the Spotted Owl habitat.

"The Spotted Owl will soon be permanently extinct in British Columbia if this government doesn't act," Simpson said, "and it's a clear illustration of the Liberal government's inability or unwillingness to protect species at risk."