National Park an election issue

Dear Editor: May 9th, 2017, is not only B.C.’s political election day, but is the day for the critical decision to accept the proposal for the Okanagan-Similkameen National Park. We have had survey counts taken that vary in percentages of people for and against this issue. The only lawful count that will be official, final and acceptable, once and for all, will emerge on the evening of May 9, 2017.

This letter to the editor is the last invitation to all people living in the OkanaganSimilkameen and Penticton constituencies to be involved in the decision making process regarding the necessity of this park.

Human indifference and negligence, (abuse of terrain, urban sprawl crowding out wildlife, pollution, etc.) cannot continue going in that direction.The above areas are very sensitive in terms of soil conditions (erosion, etc.) resources, (especially water), climate change and space in order to maintain ecological equilibrium. Overpopulation, industrialization, expropriation and exploitation of green space will eventually destroy these precious Okanagan-Similkameen Valleys, if the present trend continues.

Research evidence clearly indicates that the decline of all organisms has fallen below 50 per cent since 1970. That’s hard to believe, but it’s factual, and frightening. Are human beings going to be facing that same destiny in the not too distant future?

We will all need to cooperate to preserve and protect that which still remains here today. Only under a National Park administration can a restoration process begin to slowly replenish the remaining species of birds, animals, insects, plants and soil conditions to their original status. Remember, that extinction can never be reversed.

Your support and votes on May 9 will determine what direction our lifestyle will lead us. Please be reminded, everyone, that this environment will give us back what we put into it for many generations to come. James Demetrick

Oliver