I've recieved after 3 months the "N0 HOPE for Homo Kiters" and "Yes for birds and fishes"email from MP...
Wilkinson, Jonathan - M.P. 1:53 PM (5 hours ago) to me
Hello Lev,
Thank you for writing regarding your concerns about the Squamish Spit – I sincerely apologize for the delay in responding.
You are correct that current plans for the Squamish Central Estuary Restoration Project (CERP) include the removal of a portion of the Squamish Spit. This program is intended to ease access to the Squamish River estuary for migrating chinook salmon, especially juveniles prior to their move into the ocean. As you note, this project is being carried out by the Squamish River Watershed Society, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, alongside the Squamish Nation. Construction is planned to start later this year.
This project is part of a series of similar projects in estuaries around the region to restore naturalized flow conditions and access for salmon to the critical rearing zones of these estuaries and has potential implications for the Port of Squamish, CN Rail, and, as you emphasize, the local wind sporting community. My colleagues at DFO have informed me that all of these stakeholders have been a part of the consultative process throughout the development of this project.
The project itself is widely supported by many in the community as well as the Squamish Nation as a critical step towards the restoration of our salmon population. Study of the area has indicated that realignment will not achieve the conservation objective intended by this project. While I certainly appreciate the concerns of the wind sporting community, it is worth noting that parts of the Spit are to remain intact – the District of Squamish is consulting with local stakeholders to develop future access to the remaining part of the Spit after the completion of the project.
Please know that I have passed along your concerns regarding the Spit and the impact that the removal would have on the wind sporting community to staff at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.