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LETTER: Has FireSmarting gone too far?

Editor: In my view, FireSmart is going way too far. I fully realize this could be misconstrued as a socially/politically/economically incorrect position to take, but hear me out, please. Obviously, no one wants to experience a forest fire here. No one.

Editor:

In my view, FireSmart is going way too far. I fully realize this could be misconstrued as a socially/politically/economically incorrect position to take, but hear me out, please.

Obviously, no one wants to experience a forest fire here. No one. Forest management is undoubtedly a critical part of our town's infrastructure. I'm concerned that their tactics are heavy-handed. Scorched-earth, if you will.

Most of us live here for a few common reasons: wildlife, mountains and trees. But they have nearly decimated tracts of forest within Canmore. Hundreds and hundreds of trees have been chopped down, leaving a few trees in those once verdant spots – does that now render us fire-proof?

We all are lucky to live in a large alpine forest – ever flown over the Bow Valley? – and as such have some vulnerability to fires. But it seems as though FireSmart no longer perceives trees as assets. Rather, they are liabilities, matchsticks just waiting to ignite. How quickly that perception of trees has changed. Yes, I know, Fort McMurray and Lytton burned badly. I'm wondering if fear causes overreactions.

This is not meant as a slight against the FireSmart crew. I have spoken to them many times and they are good people.

The decimation to tracts of forest within our town destroys the Important relationship we all have, as well as shelter and habitat for the many animals I have seen in that forest. I don’t like this sentiment, but I hope FireSmart doesn't visit your neighbourhood anytime soon.

Brian Hayes,

Canmore

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