theballotopia
Elections/ CSRD General Local Election/ Issues

Gardom Lake/ Mallory Ridge Watershed

Raised by Melanie Beckett, candidate for Director 2026 September 24

Public interest groups have brought to my attention the need for protection of the Mallory Ridge watershed. Residents have been campaigning for this for decades.

There is decades of documentation (mostly provided at the cost of residents and other advocate groups) that show Mallory Ridge to be a very biodiverse region with areas of wetlands as well as old growth fir forests. 


Approximately 42 hectares of proposed logging areas sit within the sensitive Gardom Lake watershed.



Where the candidates stand

  • Melanie Beckett
    Melanie Beckett
    Director

    Advocate for the protection of Mallory Ridge

    Logging 115-year-old forests right above our water supply is a risk we shouldn't take. Residents want a dedicated, non-motorized recreation area up there—and I completely agree.  I will advocate to establish a permanent community or regional park that keeps our water safe, honors the work of the Gardom Lake Stewardship Society, and protects this peaceful landscape for self-propelled recreation.

Discussion

2 threads

Sign in or create an account to join this discussion. Anyone can read it.

Dennis Lapierre Candidate for Director 2026 Sep 24, 21:46

Good presentation of the facts, Melanie. I met today with the groups that are proposing the protection of this area and we had a lengthy discussion on who actually owns the land in question (the Province), the rationale beyond it being simily a desire of the groups, the relevance of the watershed to the health of Gardom Lake (which I've visited in the past on a tour to see the need), and what I could do as their electoral area director to further the proposal. I have a lot of background in watershed protection/sustainability initiatives, plus a lot of formal training I can put to use researching and seeking funding support and Ministry interest. It may well be that the timber farm license that Tolko has for the area can be negotiated to the satisfaction of all concerned. I have the training, skill and connections to help the groups with this issue.

A Director of Mallory Ridge Community Trails Society 2026 Sep 25, 17:43

A FEW IMPORTANT CORRECTIONS ARE NEEDED IN THIS DISCUSSION. 1. Logging in the proposed park is not a concern or a threat at this time. 2. The desired outcome of the Gardom lake Stewardship Society and the Mallory Ridge Community Trails Society is a CSRD Conservation Park with a variety of recreational opportunities year round while protecting important ecosystems and watersheds including the Gardom Lake watershed.

Melanie Beckett Candidate for Director 2026 Sep 27, 00:33

I removed the logging section of this description so as not to mislead any further