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Mount Benson Preservation Society

NEWSLETTER

    Newsletter Volume 1       Issue 1,    August 2003
Table of Contents

1.0    President's Message
2.0    Letter to the forest industry in British Columbia, Canada

3.0    Articles
A)    Trails for seniors and people with disabilities
B)     In British Columbia, forestry is dominated by clearcutting and most of the province's timber is exported for manufacture elsewhere.
C)    Deforestation can cause the climate to become more extreme in nature

The following section was first published in January and February 2003 on the Earth Community Organization (ECO) website. The proposal itself was brought forward in December 2002 to the Regional District of Nanaimo and to the City of Nanaimo.
Local community issues: Regional District of Nanaimo, B.C., Canada
Assessment proposal

I)    Uncle SAM is at the bottom of the Scale of Human and Earth Rights
J)    Regional District of Nanaimo ecosystems and natural heritage at the midnight hour
K)    Biophysical and economic assessment of Mount Benson and surrounding ecosystems in the context of a Vancouver Island Urban and Rural Development Master Plan
L)    Mount Benson Preservation Society
                  * Meeting of the Mount Benson Preservation Society
                  * AGENDA for the meeting
                  * Constitution of the Mount Benson Preservation Society
                  * By-Laws of the Mount Benson Preservation Society
                  * Membership Form of the Mount Benson Preservation Society
                  * Explanation of the four interacting circles
   Letter to the Board of Directors of the Regional District of Nanaimo
   Letter to His Worship, Gary Richard Korpan, Mayor of the City of Nanaimo
   Letter to Honourable Stan Hagen, Minister of Sustainable Resource Management of British Columbia, Canada
   Petition to save Mount Benson and surrounding ecosystems




 

President's Message

Mount Benson Preservation Society was first initiated by Germain Dufour in December 2002. Most of its members are seniors. The reason was that seniors thought they could use their knowledge and experience to benefit the community by creating the Society. We certainly also welcome people from other age groups to volunteer along with us.

The Mount Benson Preservation Society is promoting the preservation of
a) the environment,
b) Vancouver Island as the national ecotourism centre for all ages, and the greenway and blueway centre of the world
c) cultural values,
d) community and family values,
e) global community values
f) heritage sites, and
g) buildings and facilities

Our website has now been upgraded to satisfy requests from the membership. Please read the vision, goals, projects, work in the field and all the others sections.

Germain
President
Mount Benson Preservation Society

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Letter to the forest industry in British Columbia

Dear members of the Board of Directors and shareholders of the forest industry in British Columbia:

Now that Sustainable Resource Minister Stan Hagen is giving away our forests to logging by the industry, a privatization of a product that belongs to the community, you may think that you dont need to be responsible and accountable for doing what you are doing best: cutting forests down and creating a global warming of the planet.

Earth Government has made the oil industry aware of their products of mass destruction, the greenhouse gases. Those products of mass destruction, the greenhouse gases, are the highest threat to the security of the people on Earth and to all life. Greenhouse gases are accumulating in the Earth's atmosphere as a result of human activities, and temperatures are rising globally due to these activities. There are plenty of observable effects of the global warming. The ratification the Kyoto Protocol is only a beginning to protect the global life-support systems. There is much more to do!

Over its long past history trade has never evolved to require from the trading partners to become legally and morally responsible and accountable for their products from beginning to end. At the end the product becomes a waste and it needs to be properly dispose of. Now trade must be given a new impetus to be in line with the global concepts of The Global Community. You manufacture, produce, mine, farm or create a product, you become legally and morally responsible and accountable of your product from beginning to end (to the point where it actually becomes a waste; you are also responsible for the proper disposable of the waste). This product may be anything and everything from oil & gas, weapons, war products, to genetically engineered food products. All consumer products. All forest products! All medicinal products! All pharmaceutical products! In order words, a person becomes responsible and accountable for anything and everything in his or her life.

Certainly activities conducted by the forest industry is important to the community. There are many positive aspects that help the community: jobs, good economy, and many more. Earth Government is aware of the good done by the forest industry. Beside making a profit from selling the raw forest products, what are the impacts of your activities?

You are aware of the emergency call made by the province of British Columbia concerning forest fires in the province. This a time when the people of British Columbia, the Global Community, the human family, needs you to step forward and tell us what YOU can do to help resolve the problem of global warming. Less trees mean less trees to absorb the CO2 created by the burning of gasoline and oil products, the same oil products you use to run your trucks and other machines in your industry.

Global warming is the highest threat to Earth security and is everyone's business. It is the forest industry's business as well! That's right! You are responsible and accountable of your products, the forest products, all of them, and of the impacts of cutting trees, that's right, and all of the impacts as well.

Earth Government is asking you to be a responsible and accountable corporate member of the Global Community by stopping your activities to the amount of forest land burned in forest fires every year. Very simple: one hectare of forest burned, one hectare less you cut.

Germain


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Letter b



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Letter c



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Letter d



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Letter e


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Articles



7.0    Articles

A)    Article A
B)    Article B
C)     Article C
D)     Article D
E)    Article E
F)    Article F
G)    Article G
H)    Article H
I)    Article I
J)    Article J
K)    Article K

>

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Trails for seniors and people with disabilities

Mount Benson Preservation Society is designing trails for seniors and people with disabilities. These trails are for people only, no bike. Mount Benson will have to be accessed through the dirt road to the top and trails for seniors and people with disabilities will have to be made from the top of the mountain. Everyone should be given access to the mountain. The mountain does not belong to anyone in particular to do as he wishes. It belong to the community and is a part of Nanaimo's heritage.



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In British Columbia, forestry is dominated by clearcutting and most of the province's timber is exported for manufacture elsewhere.



* There are indigenous peoples who have lived in the forests for a long time. They have managed to use the forests sustainably while practicing shifting agriculture or hunting and gathering. Some of them still live in relative isolation in the forests. Humankind should protect their rights and preserve their cultures. They could be models for sustainability in the future. Indigenous peoples can show us what forest products to use and how to use them properly. They deserve to continue their ways of life.

* Humans bear the responsibility for deforestation and the global ecological crisis. But humankind has the ability and potential to change its ways. Humans will probably turn the situation around and the lost forests will be regenerated. The benefits will be many. Trees will help protect the land from the rising seas and further erosion. Biodiversity will be safeguarded, and endangered species will have better chances for survival. Water and air quality will improve. Human health will also benefit from medicinal compounds that are given a chance to be discovered. The population will have great expanses of terrain to find relaxation, seek refuge from cities, or challenge themselves. Local economies will gain from ecotourism and consumers worldwide will gain satisfaction from knowing that their wood products were harvested in a sustainable manner that left four out of five trees standing. In order for this to occur humans would have had to undergo some degree of ideological change. Humans will live more sustainable lives and be closer in harmony with nature. Once the crisis of deforestation has passed, humankind will enjoy a finer existence, and will look forward to a bright future.

Earth without forests is a picture that most of humankind presently could not conceive. Forests cover much of the planet's land area. They are extremely important to humans and the natural world. For humans, they have many aesthetic, recreational, economic, historical, medicinal, cultural and religious values. Timber and other products of forests are important economically both locally and as exports. They provide employment for those who harvest the wood or products of the living forest. Herbalists, rubber tappers, hunters and collectors of fungi, nuts, bamboo and berries are able to utilize such resources. Other non-wood forest products come in the form of medicinal compounds, dyes and fabrics. There are many people who are dependent on forestlands for their livelihoods. One-third of the world's people depend on wood for fuel as a significant energy source. Surveys in Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana and Liberia found that forest wildlife accounted for 70 to 90 percent of the total animal protein consumed. Some indigenous peoples are completely dependent on forests. As well as providing a home for some people, the forest environment provides a popular setting for ecotourism, which includes hiking, camping, bird watching and other outdoor adventure or nature study activities.

* Trees protect the soil against erosion and reduce the risks of landslides and avalanches. They may increase the rate that rainwater recharges groundwater as well as control the rate that water is released in watersheds. They help to sustain freshwater supplies and therefore are an important factor in the availability of one of life's basic needs. Forests affect the climate and are an important source of oxygen. The biological diversity of life is notably much greater in the rainforests. Tropical rainforests may contain over one-half the world's total species. But today humankind threatens the forests that provide so much. The tropical forests are most affected, but temperate woodlands are also at great risk. About 1,113,000 hectares of forest in Brazil and 989,000 hectares in Canada were destroyed in 1995. British Columbia has about forty percent of its original forests remaining, while Europe has less than half. The United States have approximately one to two percent of their original forest cover. Recent reports by the World Resources Institute have shown that more than 80% of the planet's natural forests have already been destroyed". Humankind is the cause of deforestation. But just as humans are able to create such widespread destruction, they can have a positive effect on the crisis.

* Since so many are dependent on the world's forests, deforestation will have many social, economic and ecological effects. Deforestation results in many negative consequences. The loss of forestlands is connected to desertification, a widespread phenomenon. Fewer trees translate into an insecure future for forest workers. Heavy rainfall and high sunlight quickly damage the topsoil in clearings of the tropical rainforests. In such circumstances, the forest will take much longer to regenerate and the land will not be suitable for agricultural use for quite some time. Where forests are replanted, their replacement can mean a loss of quality. As well there is the possibility that the basic elements of potential medical treatments, cures and vaccines may lie undiscovered within these environments. There may be a loss of future markets for ecotourism. The value of a forest is often higher when it is left standing than it could be worth when it is harvested. Some indigenous peoples' way of life and survival are threatened by the loss of forests. Among these groups are the Waorani of the Amazon's tropical rainforest, the Sami of Lapland's taiga and the Kyuquot of Vancouver Island's temperate rainforest . Often, the stakeholders associated with forest areas are not always consulted before clearcutting occurs. This has sometimes led to non-violent and violent confrontation and fueled bitter rivalries between area residents, the forest sector and environmentalists. Consequently anti-environmentalism has intensified and environmental activism can be dangerous.

* Deforestation can cause the climate to become more extreme in nature; the occurrence and strength of floods and droughts could increase. Forests store large amounts of carbon that are released when trees are cut or burned. It is projected that deforestation and the burning of biomass will be responsible for fifteen percent of the greenhouse effect between 1990 and 2025. The ranges of tree species could shift with respect to altitude and latitude as a result of global warming. Furthermore, the stress of such environmental change may make some species more susceptible to the effects if insects, pollution, disease and fire. In addition, genetic diversity may decrease and areas of trees may be lost. Rising sea levels brought on by global warming have the potential to threaten the locations of many major cities, much fertile agricultural land, the purity of freshwater supplies and the survival of some nations. The clearing of forestland results in increased erosion and landslides. Soil from areas of reduced forest cover can fill reservoirs created by dams. Thus a dam's ability and future capacity to generate hydroelectricity and provide irrigation would be significantly reduced. Forests play a crucial role in the management of fisheries. Logging has directly and indirectly damaged spawning grounds, blocked river channels, raised water temperatures and caused water levels in streams to fluctuate dangerously. Therefore, the removal of trees can reduce the viability of fish stocks in their watershed and downstream environments. The effects of deforestation discussed are of considerable magnitudes. Still, with all the present and predicted problems, it was estimated that one acre of Canadian forest was logged every 12.9 seconds in 1995.

* People destroy or degrade forests because, for them, the benefits seem to outweigh the costs. Underlying causes include such issues as poverty, unequal land ownership, women's status, education and population. Immediate causes are often concerned with a search for land and resources, including both commercial timber and fuelwood. The impact of the timber trade is generally greater than has been claimed in the past. The North plays a key role in many of the factors leading to forest decline.

* Beside the global warming, the human activity that affects Earth most is that of food production. We need to form a global ministry dealing only about agriculture and the protection of our soils. All nations will be part of the ministry. We have to design systems of food production that meet our own needs, and also leave room for these other lifeforms we want to take along with us. Western agriculture is designed in the end to maximize profit. As a primordial human right, the prime concern of the human species is to feed people. Therefore we have to do things differently. We will have to produce less livestock as we effectively double the population we need to feed: ourselves, plus the livestock that is supposed to be feeding us. We also have to apportion the land surface of the whole world more efficiently, using some for highhly intensive food production (which makes use of less land), some for extensive agriculture (combining food production with wildlife conservation) and designing some specifically as wilderness areas with global corridors between them. Hopefully this will help natives of British Columbia, Canada, to settle their land claims in their favor as they are the only people in Canada who can help protecting wildlife, at least for now. There should be a definite and specific clause in any agreement with the natives that it is what they will do with the land and not turn it into a huge industrial site as would the white man do.

* In the tropical forests of the world, the clearing of the land for agriculture and livestock are the primary activities resulting in deforestation. The main cause is unequal distribution of land. About 4.5 percent of Brazil's landowners hold 81 percent of the country's farmland, and 70 percent of the rural households are landless. It seems that these conditions cause people to encroach on, penetrate and modify the forests. Governments have an important role in these processes. The Brazilian government subsidizes some of the cattle ranches that exist on converted forestland. The land is unproductive. Much of the demand for the beef comes from the fast food hamburger market. The roads that are built into the rainforest encourage and provide access for settling activities. There are many government agencies with policies that are uncoordinated in nature. Long range planning is not undertaken; and the Amazon is greatly affected by forces outside of the region. Some of the causes of migration to the tropical forests are population growth and political persecution. The settlers clearing and cultivating the land do not have the knowledge and experience of indigenous peoples of the forests and are unable to utilize the land effectively or sustainably. The process of shifting cultivation is accelerated and as a result the forest doesn't have enough time to recover. Tropical rainforests are truly under assault by humans.

* Deforestation in the world's temperate regions is mainly caused by commercial forestry. The forces of large global markets for wood and wood products drive the scale of logging activities such as clearcutting. The source of the demand is increased consumption by North America and Europe, not population growth. Again, transportation routes have a role, opening up new areas for natural resource exploitation. Privatization of natural resource industries has led to decreased regulations regarding timber harvesting. Multinational corporations dominate trade in wood. Most of these companies were organized in the United States. There is also less government interference in trade and ownership issues. As vertical integration is the trend, harvesting of wood is often no longer the focus of many companies. As a result, forest operations may be readily moved around the world. The timber is often exported in an unprocessed state out of the country of origin. With forestry not being a central or continually established part of some firms, improvement of forest practices is not a priority. The maximization of profit is generally the only available option for top management. The range, size and power of these multinational corporations can translate into great political influence. Such influence can be gained through financial contributions, bribes or the control of entertainment and transportation. Government processes such as the appointment of ministers and officials may be affected. The situation in Canada is slightly different than other nations. Most of the forests are publicly owned; but much is leased to private industrial interests. Powerful economic interests are in control of deforestation. These interests are motivated by the consumption of wood, paper and other forest products in the developed and overdeveloped countries.

* Deforestation is a serious problem. But humans can make a difference. An individual as well as a business can practice green consumerism. They can make an effort to purchase the most ecologically sensitive products. Recycled paper is readily available. Such a product can reduce the demand for timber. Another method is to purposely avoid harmful products by consumer boycotts. In terms of deforestation, these include tropical rainforest wood, old-growth wood and beef produced on ranches in the tropical rainforest. For additional effectiveness, boycotts can be applied to other products of companies involved in deforestation as well as their subsidiaries. Requesting alternative products such as clearcut-free paper and eco-certified lumber is important in convincing companies that markets for environmentally responsible products do indeed exist. None of these activities can occur without the raising of public awareness to inform consumers about the environmental effects of their products. One of the most important ways for a person to have a positive effect is to reduce his or her consumption of forest and related products. An increase in the participation of the public in and the accessibility and productiveness of facilities for reducing, reusing and recycling is necessary.

* Government and industry must become more aware of the consequences of their activities and change accordingly. They need to cooperate in forest management and working towards a future that benefits all. In some areas, myths created by the forest sector need to be exposed. One of these myths is that a given community is solely dependent on forestry and can only survive by cutting more trees down. In British Columbia many such towns are suffering for high unemployment. Job loss is often blamed on environmental regulations but is more likely to be the result of increased mechanization and worldwide economic changes. The production of value-added forest products would create more jobs and bring more wealth to these logging communities. The net affect of this would be to reduce the pressure on the forests. If commercial forestry is to have a future, its methods need to become more ecologically sound and sustainable. Selective logging is a viable alternative. It leaves the most of the forest intact and doesn't eliminate the original ecosystem. Selective logging has been shown to make a profit and more jobs for a given area. The combination of selective logging and value-added manufacturing in Switzerland have resulted in the creation of "13 times as many jobs per cubic metre than in British Columbia". In British Columbia, forestry is dominated by clearcutting and most of the province's timber is exported for manufacture elsewhere. Another method is known as whole tree harvesting. This uses all of the wood from a tree. The branches and the treetops are converted into wood chips. The result of whole tree harvesting is a greater number of jobs and products . Governments must play a greater role in forest management to protect the environment and employment. Government processes should ensure that the interests of all stakeholders and as well as the long-term effects associated with forest areas are taken into account during forest planning. Some governments may have to adopt radical policies. For example redistributing arable land so that the forests are no longer needed for farming and ranching. Agencies involved in forest planning, management and protection need adequate funding, staff and resources. Governments should stop defending the forest industry from criticism and end the practice of subsidization. Propaganda originating from governments and corporations requires elimination if the public is to be able to make the right choices. As well both institutions must take the initiative without expect the other to take the first step.



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Deforestation can cause the climate to become more extreme in nature

Deforestation can cause the climate to become more extreme in nature; dry and hot weather cause forest fires, and the occurrence and strength of floods and droughts could increase. Forests store large amounts of carbon that are released when trees are cut or burned. It is projected that deforestation and the burning of biomass will be responsible for fifteen percent of the greenhouse effect between 1990 and 2025.

The ranges of tree species could shift with respect to altitude and latitude as a result of global warming. Furthermore, the stress of such environmental change may make some species more susceptible to the effects if insects, pollution, disease and fire. In addition, genetic diversity may decrease and areas of trees may be lost. Rising sea levels brought on by global warming have the potential to threaten the locations of many major cities, much fertile agricultural land, the purity of freshwater supplies and the survival of some nations. The clearing of forestland results in increased erosion and landslides. Soil from areas of reduced forest cover can fill reservoirs created by dams. Thus a dam's ability and future capacity to generate hydroelectricity and provide irrigation would be significantly reduced.

Forests play a crucial role in the management of fisheries. Logging has directly and indirectly damaged spawning grounds, blocked river channels, raised water temperatures and caused water levels in streams to fluctuate dangerously. Therefore, the removal of trees can reduce the viability of fish stocks in their watershed and downstream environments. The effects of deforestation discussed are of considerable magnitudes. Still, with all the present and predicted problems, it was estimated that one acre of Canadian forest was logged every 12.9 seconds in 1995.

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Article D



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Article E





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Article F


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Article G


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Article H


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Article I

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Article J





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Uncle SAM is at the bottom of the Scale of Human and Earth Rights

Proposal to the Regional District of Nanaimo concerning Mount Benson
and surrounding ecosystems
RDN Board of Directors met on Tuesday
January 28th, 2003, 7:00 PM at City of Nanaimo Council Chambers
455 Wallace Street, Nanaimo, B.C., Canada

The 10 minutes speech allowed is as follow:
 

Mr. Chairperson
Directors
Ladys and Gentlemen

My proposal is concerned with the future of Mount Benson and surrounding ecosystems. We want to see that the community of the RDN is made aware of how important  Mount Benson is to its future. We have come to the conclusion that Mount Benson and surrounding ecosystems must be left alone and that means no further development.

That means the RDN Growth Management Plan must not support further fragmentation and use of endangered ecosystems. Further development  would greatly affect negatively the quality of life of the people in the community.  It would be better to have no further development until a sustainable land-use plan is put in place that would take into account concerns from the civil society in Nanaimo, concerns such as conservation of our natural environment, drinking water protection, endangered fauna and flora, clean air, protection of fish habitats,  and a sustainable ecotourism. We are very concerned about the population increase in the region along with its needs of more golf courses and outdoor recreational facilities. Plan must be made to separate human activities from endangered ecosystems. The natural environment must be secured before further planning for development. RDN watersheds must also be given the highest protection.

That means telling Cercomm Electronics to take his radio tower off the mountaintop, telling truckers and ATVs to roll their wheels someplace else, and having all property owners to pack up their things off the mountain.

That means no more logging and development anywhere on the mountain and surrounding ecosystems.

That means making the area an ecological reserve or a protected park.

That means ecotourism for our children, an industry to give them jobs and keeping our economy healthy.

We are so used to idolatrize property ownership that we cannot imagine how wrong it is for a person (s) to own land resources such as the forests on Mount Benson, and how wrong it is to own property on the same site. It looks very much like what is happening in Russia. A few very rich people are allowed to develop resources such as oil on behalf of the population. They practically destroy the environment in the process and say it is for the economy of Russia. What is wrong with this picture? To explain what is wrong in Russia and in here in the RDN, let me give you a sense of what is real and what is not real.

Let us look at our history as a species, the human species, the millions of years of evolution that got us here. How have we survived? We fougth predators around us looking for a human being to snack on. We lived in cave for protection and security. We survived together. When a predator got too close to our group, did we ask Uncle SAM, Uncle SAM is a fictutious name, did we ask Uncle SAM to defend the group just by himself?  By himself Uncle SAM would have been the predator's dinner. NO. The whole group fought the predator and we killed it, and probably ate it too. We survived because we worked together to protect the group. We are who we are today because we lived as a community.

Now going back to those natural resources, our heritage, those forests, freshwater, clean air, fisheries, oil and natural gas, they are needed for the survival of the community. They are critical for health, our health and that of the next generations. They are primordial human rights. So what do we do? This time are we going to tell Uncle SAM: Uncle SAM those forests are yours, do as you please with them. No. We are not. Because Uncle Sam will get very rich and log the land completely for his own profit and welfare, to make himself richer. After a while the forest will be gone, the water polluted, the air polluted and global warming an added disaster, and the community living in poverty and dying. Then Uncle Sam will die after the natural resource has gone forever. And so will all life on Earth will die. It our experience and knowledge that  by-laws, regulations, standards will not save the community and all life unless the resources are managed for the long run in mind. Global warming is an example of how bad things got to be.

So why did we give the resource to Uncle Sam? Where is the logic? Where is our sense of self survival as a community gone? What happen to it? Is it not burried lock, stock, and barrel under a culture,  in a way of life and of doing things, that is counterproductive? During two global dialogues, the Earth Community Organization has developed the Scale of Human and Earth Rights to get us and the rest of the world back on track. The Scale tells us what is the most important, and less important. It was designed on values that are part of our history as human beings and on values that have kept us alive throughout the millions of years. We have to correct for the wrong way taken by our society and governing bodies. You could participate in Global Dialogue 2004 and help to its success as that would mean putting RDN on the map for the better of all.

In Nanaimo, and in the RDN, Mount Benson and the surrounding ecosystems have to be given the highest priority, the greatest importance, because that is where they sit on the Scale of Human and Earth Rights. The rights of the community to life, clean air, freshwater, a healthy environment, is the most important right on the Scale. It is a primordial human right. The right of the property owner, Uncle Sam, is much lower on the Scale, near the bottom of it.

In Nanaimo, Uncle Sam is a developer, the logging companies,  Crown ownership, even Natives maybe called Uncle Sam, even the feds and the provincial government maybe called Uncle Sam. They lost their way.

If we were to let Uncle Sam have his way, the community would lose its natural resources for future generations, think at a sustainable ecotourism here, lost forever. People travelling by ferry to Nanaimo would see Nanaimo and Mount Benson just behind it with a big sign on the mountain that says: HOLLYWOOD 2 for the rich and famous. Is that what the community of Nanaimo wants? Has anyone ever asked the community what it wants? Was there a referendum?

I ask you now to help with a campaign to make the community aware of how important Mount Benson and surrounding ecosystems are to its future and that of future generations. Your participation is critical. Think about:

*    protecting drinking water systems, watersheds
*    keeping waterways healthy
*    enhancing the quality of life of everyone in the community and not just that of the wealthyest
*    making good economic sense
*    preserving our natural heritage
*    saving tax dollars
*    conserving wildlife corridors
*    creating a sustainable ecotourism, an industry that will last forever, creating jobs for everyone

Germain

Germain Dufour, President
Earth Community Organization (ECO) and  Interim Earth Government
Apt. 201, 59 Nicol Street , Nanaimo, British Columbia , Canada  V9R 4S7
Website of the Earth Community Organization and of the Interim Earth Government
 http://globalcommunitywebnet.com/gdufour/
Email addresses
gdufour@globalcommunitywebnet.com

 
 




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Regional District of Nanaimo ecosystems and natural heritage at the midnight hour

After meeting with the City of Nanaimo Advisory Committee on the Environment (ACE), officials and technical staff of the Regional District of Nanaimo, officials of the Nanaimo Area Land Trust Society (NALT), and with several environmental groups, the Earth Community Organization (ECO) was left with no other alternatives but to create a new society, the Mount Benson Preservation Society, that would focus exclusively on the protection and saving Mount Benson and surrounding ecosystems.

We have also made a proposal to the above listed organizations and to the community at large.

Proposal to the City of Nanaimo and to the Regional District of Nanaimo concerning Mount Benson
and surrounding ecosystems
RDN Board of Directors meets on Tuesday
January 28th, 2003, 7:00 PM at City of Nanaimo Council Chambers
455 Wallace Street

Proposal has several sections:

1.    Conducting  a Biophysical and Economic Assessment of Mount Benson and Surrounding Ecosystems  in the context of a Vancouver Island Urban and Rural Development Master Plan.

2.    A follow up to the Vision of  the Millstone River Greenway Vision and the RDN Growth Management Plan,  and to include this time the remaining section of the RD of Nanaimo in the follow up. The follow up would be done by a newly formed Nanaimo Society.

3.    Making Westwood Ridge a city park protected as an ecosystem reserve along with Mount Benson. The City of Nanaimo should buy Westwood Ridge and RDN should buy Mount Benson.

4.    Participation of the City of Nanaimo and RDN in Global Dialogue 2004 to be held in the RDN on August 2004. Global Dialogue 2004 is concerned with environmental, economic and social issues of the RDN.

5.    We are asking the City of Nanaimo and the RD of Nanaimo to help support our campaign to save Mount Benson and surrounding ecosystems from further development and logging. Help is needed in terms of petition package and brochure, signs, creation of the new Society, investigation expenses for the assessment, and obtaining reports and maps already published by RDN. Help is needed in the purchasing of land to convert it to an ecological reserve or protected area.

6.    Allowing civil society participation in the growth of Nanaimo and of the Regional District of Nanaimo. We propose the creation of an environmental advisory committee made of environmental groups, and the civil society in the RD of Nanaimo.

Developing the land on Mount Benson and surroundings will affect enormously the city's businesses, its appeal in attracting investment and tourism.

We are also concerned about the ongoing loss of businesses from Nanaimo's historic Downtown. The City of Nanaimo already recognizes that a clean and healthy environment is vital to the social and economic well being of the City as a whole. The City's Official Community Plan (OCP) second goal is to "protect the environment". Protecting the environment means:

* caring for Nanaimo's natural diversity and ecosystems in the planning of land use and development;
* protecting significant natural features;
* changing the way we do things and live, work, travel and recreate in a more environmentally responsible manner;
* sustain our community by protecting its basic resources: clean air, water and land for the next generations;
* protecting environmentally significant or sensitive areas (ESA), the heritage of Nanaimo's natural diversity;
* planning development so as to protect life and property from natural and human made hazards; and
* enhance awareness and promote community activities that protect and restore the environment.


What will happen when tourists and potential investors found out that we could not protect the land on Mount Benson and surroundings and that developers are powerless in retaining pollution from reaching the city drinking water system?

Why protect ESAs of Mount Benson and surroundings?

* ESAs enhance the quality of life of Nanaimo's community in that they are a multitude of landscapes with a healthy environment: wetlands purify drinking water, forests clean the air, and open meadows are spectacular to see in spring.

* ESAs are unique in that the oak woodlands are one of the four most endangered ecosystems in Canada.

* ESAs bring nature to Nanaimo's community in that they allow residents a chance to live with a large variety of wildlife a short distant from home.

* ESAs are biologically diverse in that they are the sites of life. They are habitats for fish, birds and animals; and natural corridors for wildlife movement.


Some benefits of protecting waterways and the City's drinking water systems:

* Sustainable ecosystems provide habitats and are migration corridors for a variety of species; they are natural habitat for plants, animals and fish.

* They give confidence to Nanaimo's community and add to its well-being by offering pleasing surroundings with sites for rest and enjoying nature, and with recreational and educational sites.

* Roots, vegetation and fallen trees stops bank erosion and stream degradation, slows down flow upland surface runoff and filters out some sediments and pollutants before they reach waterways.

* An attractive city invites investment which in turn creates job opportunities and increases property values

* Economic benefits stretch through the entire spectrum of social and economic activities: commercial, tourism, sport and aboriginal fisheries.




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Biophysical and economic assessment of Mount Benson and surrounding ecosystems in the context of a Vancouver Island Urban and Rural Development Master Plan


For development to be environmentally sustainable it must not endanger the natural systems that support life on Earth: the waters, the soils and the living things, and we must use sustainable forms of energy, mining, forestry, fisheries, farming, transportation, petroleum and chemical products. In the long run, an environmentally sustainable development will guarantee us basic needs such as clean air, good food, fresh water, proper shelter, health care, sanitation, energy and jobs.


We are proposing here to conduct a biophysical and economic assessment of Mount Benson and areas. This requires the involvement of the regional district of Nanaimo, the Provincial Government, and the entire community of Nanaimo and surroundings.

We are also proposing the development of an Urban and Rural Master Plan that will significantly improved the Vancouver Island future in regards to its environment, economic development, protection of its resource usages and decommissioning of old sites, and the quality of life of all citizens.

Some of the major results will be concerned with:

* Creating areas for outdoor recreation for everyone.
* Preserving the park system that reflect the unique character and quality of our mountainous and sea setting.
* Provide education and interpretation settings to citizens and tourists about natural and past heritage.
* Protect and enhance wildlife habitats, native fauna and flora, riverine forests, waterfront environment.
* Establish naturally sustainable landscapes and ecosystems.
* Resolve pollution concerns.
* Contribute to aesthetic quality.
* Comprehensive expectation of the quality of the freshwater over the long run.
* The economic impacts of environmental and health degradation, resource depletion, and depreciation of natural stocks. The natural stoks include forests, minerals, soils, fishery, water, wildlife, and air. The use of productive stocks give rise to income and, therefore, both people-made and natural stocks must be considered in a similar manner. The evaluation of sustainable development must include both types of stocks available for use as income or benefits, and all investments and returns as well. Consumption levels of both types of stocks must be maintained without depleting and depreciating the quality and quantity of services the stocks bring in creating wealth.
* The status of each resource and the stocks and productive capacities of exploited populations and ecosystems, and make sure that those capacities are sustained and replenished after use.
* The status of ecological processes and biological diversity of each natural resource; measuring the impacts of consuming a resource on other renewable resources, biological diversity, people health, and life-support systems, and establishing harvest levels.
* The annual change in the stocks of natural resources, quality of the system, their costs, and the services they provide to the economy.
* The welfare, economic development and quality of life of future generations.
* Expenditures on pollution abatement and clean-ups of old sites.
* Play a major role in shaping Nanaimo's image and, therefore, attract tourists and investors.


Essential elements of an adequate Vancouver Island urban or rural development:

a) Suitable community facilities and services.
b) Decent housing and health care.
c) Family stability.
d) Personal security from crime.
e) Adequate educational and cultural opportunities.
f) Efficient,safe and 'clean' transportation.
g) An atmosphere of social justice.
h) Land planning involving the community in the decision-making.
i) Energu conservation and energy efficiency are part of the decision-making process and made part of the community development.
j) The application of the 4 Rs of waste management is integrated in the community development.
k) The use of renewable energy sources, central heating where possible, and cogeneration of electricity are made part of community development.
l) Health promotion with the overall guiding principle for the community: the need to encourage reciprocal maintenance, to take care of each other and the environment.
m) Community businesses, working areas, play areas, social and cultural areas, education areas, and training areas.
n) Water-conservation practices integrated into the community development.
o) Aesthetic satisfaction.
p) Responsive government subject to community participation in decision-making.
q) The form of community development integrates concepts such as cooperation, trust, interdepence, stewardship, and mutual responsibility.

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Mount Benson Preservation Society

A) Meeting of the Mount Benson Preservation Society
B) AGENDA for the meeting
C) Constitution of the Mount Benson Preservation Society
D) By-Laws of the Mount Benson Preservation Society
E) Membership Form
F) Explanation of the four interacting circles

A) Meeting of the Mount Benson Preservation Society
Day and time: February 18, 2003, 7:00 PM
Place: Unit 201, 59 Nicol Street, Nanaimo

B) AGENDA for the meeting
* Call for Order
* Approval of the proposed Constitution, By-Laws and Rules.
* Election of the Board of Directors: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, Publicity, Membership, Fund Raising, Social, Economic, Environmental, Resources
* Next meeting
* Adjournment

C) Constitution of the Mount Benson Preservation Society

CONSTITUTION


The goal of sustainable development is full human development and ecological protection. Mount Benson Preservation Society adopts the Charter of the Earth Community (ECO) as its model for dealing with issues locally and globally. The Charter recognizes that humanity's environmental, economic, social, cultural, ethical, spiritual problems and aspirations are interconnected. It affirms the need for holistic thinking and collaborative, integrated problem solving. Sustainable development requires such an approach. It is about freedom, justice, participation, and peace as well as environmental protection and economic well-being.

1) The name of the society is
Mount Benson Preservation Society

2) The objects of the society are to:

1) promote sustainable development as defined here by:
        * the technical definition being “a sound balance among the interactions of the impacts (positive and/or negative), or stresses, on the four major quality systems: People, Economic Development, Environment and Availability of Resources,” and
       * the none-technical definition being “a sound balance among the interactions designed to create a healthy economic growth, preserve environmental quality, make a wise use of our resources, and enhance social benefits”
2) promote sustainable development worldwide, establish new standards, goals to be reached, and a benchmark for the 21st century in all aspects of sustainable development; firm guidelines are essential in keeping the four major areas of concern as free as possible from negative growth factors; promote, manage and/or sponsor international meetings and conferences as they relate to sustainable development
3) research and develop local and global indicators and indices for the measurement and management of sustainable development
4) research and develop a sound balance among the interactions of the impacts as defined in 2.1 and in all aspects of sustainable development
5) research and develop products, techniques, processes, methods and programs to fulfill a sustainable development as defined in 2.1
6) promote co-operation amongst levels of government and citizens in planning which will help the measurement and management of sustainable development; bring together businesses and the Public and create a venue where the best ways can be found to sustain resources and measure consumption and use
7) create a committee that will link with the Earth Community Organization (ECO) to access its worldwide network to obtain data from all over the world in all aspects of sustainable development, and use the information obtained to fulfill the goal defined in 2.1; provide access to the information to concerned parties; the gathering and analysis of the information shall be used to help community and home development, and social development
8) encourage and foster and develop among its members a recognition of the importance of a sound sustainable development locally and worldwide
9) provide educational services and training related to:
       * the measurement and management of sustainable development
       * maintaining conditions under which People and Nature can co-exist in productive harmony and fulfill the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations
       * development of sustainable communities and sustainable homes
10) engage in activities to relief poverty in the world; by searching “a sound balance among the interactions of the impacts” will result in a relief of poverty
11) carry out activities primarily for the benefit of the Public, community and home development, and world development in the spirit of the Earth and its People survival
12) promote an environmental sustainable development that does not endanger the natural systems that support life on Earth: the air, the waters, the soils and the living things


The objects will be carried out on an exclusively charitable basis.


3) On the winding up or dissolution of this society, funds or assets remaining after all debts have been paid shall be transferred to a charitable institution with purposes similar to those of this society, or, if this cannot be done, to another charitable institution recognized by Revenue Canada as qualified under the provisions of the Income Tax Act of Canada.

4) The purposes of the society shall be carried out without purpose of gain for its members, and any profits or other accretions to the society shall be used for promoting its purpose. The Directors shall be a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, a Treasurer and other officers. The Directors shall serve without remuneration, and no Director shall directly or indirectly receive any profit from his or her position, except to be paid reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of his or her duties.

5) The Society shall be subject to the various Charities Accounting Act, the Charitable Gifts Act, and the Mortmain and Charitable Uses Act. If it is made to appear to the satisfaction of Revenue Canada , upon report to the public trustee, that the Society has failed to comply with any of the provisions of these acts, Revenue Canada may authorize an inquiry for the purpose of determining whether or not there is sufficient cause for the Lieutenant-Governor to make an order under subsection 317(1) of the Corporation Act to cancel the letters patent of the Society and declare it to be dissolved.

6) The borrowing power of the Society pursuant to any by-law passed by the Society shall be limited to borrowing money for current operating expenses, provided that the borrowing power of the Society shall not be so limited if it borrows on the security of real or personal property.

7) Paragraphs 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of this constitution are unalterable in accordance with the Society Act.

D) By-Laws of the Mount Benson Preservation Society

SOCIETY BY-LAWS
OF
Mount Benson Preservation Society


Part 1 - INTERPRETATION

1. (a) In these bylaws, unless the context otherwise requires,
(i) “directors” means the directors of the society for the time being;
(ii) “Society Act” means the Society Act of the Province of Alberta;
(iii) “registered address” of a member means the address as recorded in the register of members;
(iv) “Society” means Mount Benson Preservation Society.
The definitions in the Society Act on the date these by-laws become effective apply to these by-laws.
For all purposes of the Society, “Special Resolution” shall mean a resolution passed by no less than 75% majority of such members entitled to vote as are present or by proxy at a general meeting of which not less than 21 days’notice specifying the intention to propose a resolution as a special resolution has been duly given.
2. Words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa; and words importing a male person include a female person, a corporation, a partnership or other legal entities as are admitted as members by the Board.
3. Board of Directors, Executive Committee or Board, shall mean the Board of Directors of the Society.

Part 2 - HEAD OFFICE

4. The Head Office of the Society shall be in the City of Nanaimo, in the Province of British Columbia, and at such place therein as the directors may from time to time determine.

Part 3 - MEMBERSHIP

5. The members of the Society are the applicants for incorporation of the Society, and those persons subsequently have become members, in accordance with these by-laws and, in either case, have not ceased to be members. The membership shall consist of the applicants for the incorporation of the Society and such individuals and such corporations, partnerships and other legal entities as are admitted as members by the Board. The class of membership shall include memberships such as: student, general, senior, corporate and non-profit organization.
6. A person may apply to the directors for membership in the Society and on acceptance by the directors shall be a member. A person becomes a member by a favourable vote passed by a majority of the members at a regular of the Society, and upon payment of the fee. Such voting shall be by ballot, unless the meeting resolution otherwise decides. Each member shall promptly be informed by the Secretary of his admission as a member.
7. Every member shall uphold the Constitution and comply with these by-laws.
8. The amount of the first annual membership dues shall be determined by the directors and after that the annual membership dues shall be determined at the annual general meeting of the Society.
9. A person shall cease to be a member of the Society
(i) by delivering his resignation in writing to the Secretary of the Board or by mailing or delivering it to the address of the Society;
(ii) on his death or in the case of a corporation on dissolution;
(iii) on being expelled; or
(iv) on having been a member not in good standing for 12 consecutive months;
In case of resignation, a member shall remain liable for payment of any assessment or other sum levied or which became payable by him to the corporation prior to acceptance of his resignation.

10. A person may be expelled by a special resolution of the members passed at a general meeting. The notice of special resolution for expulsion shall be accompanied by a brief statement of the reason or reasons for the proposed expulsion. The person who is the subject of the proposed resolution for expulsion shall be given an opportunity to be heard at the general meeting before the special resolution is put to a vote.
11. All members are in good standing except a member who has failed to pay his current annual membership fee or any other subscription or debt and owing by him to the Society and is not in good standing so long as the debt remains unpaid. Each member in good standing shall be entitled to one vote on each question arising at any special or general meeting of the members. Corporations, partnerships and any other legal entities may vote through a duly authorized proxy as defined in by-laws 86 and 87.
12. If any member is in arrears for fees or assessments for any year, such member shall be automatically suspended at the expiration of six months from the end of such year and shall thereafter be entitled to no membership privileges or powers in the Society until reinstated.

Part 4 - DUES

13. There should be no dues or fees payable by members except such, if any, as shall from time to time be fixed by unanimous vote of the Board, which vote shall become effective only when confirmed by a vote of the members at an annual or other general meeting.
14. The Secretary shall notify the members of the dues or fees at any time payable by them and, if any are not paid within 30 days of the date of such notice the members in default shall thereupon automatically cease to be members of the Society, but any such members may on payment of all unpaid dues or fees be reinstated by unanimous vote of the Board.


Part 5 - BOARD OF DIRECTORS

15. The affairs of the Society shall be managed by a Board of Directors, each Director having a vote, and of whom a majority shall constitute a quorum.
16. The Board shall be appointed by the majority of the membership at the annual general meeting of the Society.
17. The qualification of the Director shall be that he or she is a member in good standing of the Society.
18. Directors shall be eligible for re-election at the annual general meeting of the members. The election may be by a show of hands unless a ballot be demanded by any member.
19. The office of Directors shall be automatically vacated
i) if by notice in writing to the Board he resigns his office;
ii) the members of the Society may, by resolution passed by at least 75% of the votes cast at a general meeting of which notice specifying the intention to pass such resolution has been given, remove any Director before the expiration of his term of office, and may, by a majority of the votes cast at that meeting, elect any person on his stead for the remainder of his term;
iii) vacancies on the Board, however caused, may, so long as a quorum of Directors remain in office, be filled by the Directors from among the qualified members of the Society if they shall fit to do so, otherwise such vacancy shall be filled at the next annual meeting of the members at which the Directors for the ensuing year are elected; but if there is not a quorum of Directors, the remaining Directors shall forthwith call a meeting of the members to fill the vacancy.
20. All Directors of the Society shall hold office for one year or until their successors are elected or appointed in their stead.

21. The Directors of the Society shall serve without remuneration and no Director shall directly or indirectly receive any profit from his position as such; provided a Director may be paid reasonable expenses incurred by him in the performance of his duties, and any Director who is a bona fide employee of the Society (whether full time, part time or contracted out) , may be paid remuneration with respect to services performed by him as an employee.
22. Meetings of the Board shall be held as often as may be required, but at least once every three months, and shall be called by the President. A special meeting may be called on the instructions of any two members thereof provided they request the President in writing to call such meeting, and state the business to be brought before the meeting. Meetings of the Board shall be called by ten days’notice in writing mailed to each member or by three days’notice by telegram or telephone. Any four members shall constitute a quorum, and meetings shall be held without notice if a quorum of the Board is present, provided, however, that any business transactions at such meeting shall be ratified at the next regularly called meeting of the Board; otherwise they shall be null and void.
23. The President shall be Chairman of all meetings of the Board, but if at a meeting the President is not present within 30 minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the Vice-President shall act as Chairman; but if neither is present the Directors present may choose one of their number to be Chairman at that meeting.
24. The Directors may delegate any, but not all, of their powers to committees consisting of the Director or Directors as they think fit. A committee so formed in the exercise of the powers so delegated shall conform to any rules imposed on it by the Directors, and shall report every act or thing done in exercise of those powers to the earliest meeting of the Directors to be held next after it has been done.
25. A committee shall elect a Chairman of its meetings; but if no Chairman is elected, or if at that meeting the Chairman is not present within 30 minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the Directors present who are members of the committee shall choose one of their number to be Chairman of the meeting.
26. The members of a committee may meet and adjourn as they think proper.
27. No resolution proposed at a meeting of Directors or committee of Directors need be seconded and the Chairman of a meeting may move or propose a resolution.
28. A resolution in writing, signed by all Directors and placed with the minutes of the Directors is as valid and effective as if regularly passed at a meeting of Directors.


Part 6 - OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY

29. There shall be a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary and a Treasurer or in lieu of a Secretary and Treasurer, a Secretary-Treasurer and such other officers as the Board may determine by by-law from time to time. There may as many officers as needed to direct all committees created by the Board.
30. One person may hold more than one office except the offices of President and Vice-President. The other members of the Society need not be members of the Board and in the absence of written agreement to the contrary, the employment of all officers shall be settled from time to time by the Board. The Board may appoint such agents and engage such employees as it shall deem necessary and such person shall have such authority and shall perform such duties as shall be prescribed by the Board at the time of the appointment.
31. The officers of the Society shall hold office for one year or until their successors are elected or appointed in their stead. Separate elections shall be held for each office to be filled. An election may be by acclamation, otherwise it shall be by ballot. If no successor is elected the person previously elected or appointed continues to hold office.
32. If a Director resigns his office or otherwise ceases to hold office, the remaining Directors shall appoint a member to take place of the former Director. The members may by special resolution remove a Director before the expiration of his term of office, and may elect a successor to complete the term of office.

Part 7 - DUTIES OF DIRECTORS

33. The Directors of the Society shall be responsible for co-ordination of the work of the Society and for carrying out the policies and directives of the Society as determined by the Society’s general meeting.
34. The Board shall be responsible for ensuring that one member chairs meetings of the Society, for ensuring that funds of the Society are accounted for, and for ensuring that minutes of meetings of the Society are maintained.
35. In all cases of death, resignation, retirement or removal from office of an officer, all books, papers, vouchers, money and other property of whatever kind in his possession or under his control belonging to the Society shall be delivered to the Board.
36. The Board cannot authorize non-routine expenditures over $500.00 without authority from a general meeting of the membership.
37. The Directors may exercise all such powers of the Society as are not by The Societies Act of Alberta or by the by-laws required to be exercised by the members at general meetings. The Directors shall have power to authorize expenditures on behalf of the Society and may delegate by resolution to an officer or officers of the Society the right to employ and pay salaries to the employees. The Directors shall have the power to make expenditures for the purpose of furthering the objects of the Society.
38. The Directors may authorize the payment of all expenses incurred in setting up and registering the Society and all other expenses incidental to the formation of the Society, of which it considers preliminary.
39. The Board may prescribe such rules and regulations not inconsistent with these by-laws relating to the management and operation of the Society as they deem expedient, provided that such rules and regulations shall have force and effect only until the next general meeting of the members of the Society when they shall be confirmed, and in default of confirmation at such general meeting of members shall at all times, and from that time, cease to have force and effect.
40. The Board may require such employees of officers to give security to the Society and to maintain same in such form, amount and consideration as they deemed satisfactory for keeping, accounting for and delivering and paying over moneys and securities for money or other assets of the Society which may come into its hands.
41. The Board shall take such steps as they deem requisite to enable the Society to receive donations and benefits for the purpose of furthering the objects of the Society.

Part 8 - DUTIES OF PRESIDENT

42. The President shall be the chief executive officer of the Society. He shall preside as Chairman at all meetings of the Society and the Board of Directors. He shall have the general and active management of the business of the Society.
43. He shall see that orders and resolutions of the Board are carried into effect. He shall be a non-voting member of all committees.
44. He will prepare and submit to the members at the annual meeting a statement and report of the preceding year for its approval.
45. The President with the Secretary or other officer appointed by the Board for the purpose shall sign all by-laws and membership certificates.
46. During the absence or inability of the President, his duties and powers may be exercised by the Vice-President, and if the Vice-President, or such other Director as the Board may from time to time appoint for the purpose, exercises any such duty or power, the absence or inability of the President shall be presumed with reference thereto.

Part 9 - DUTIES OF VICE-PRESIDENT

47. The Vice-President shall act in the absence or disability of the President and shall perform such other duties as shall from time to time be imposed upon him by the Board.
48. Should both the President and the Vice-President be absent or disabled, the performance of their powers and duties shall be delegated to a Chairman appointed by the Board.

Part 10 - DUTIES OF SECRETARY

49. The Secretary shall be ex officio clerk of the Board of Directors. He shall attend all meetings of the Board and record all facts and minutes of all proceedings in the books kept for that purpose.
50. He shall give all notices required to be given to members and to Directors. He shall be the custodian of the seal of the Society and of all books, papers, records, correspondence, contracts and other documents belonging to the Society which he shall deliver up only when authorized by a resolution of the Board to do so and to such person or persons as may be named in the resolution, and he shall perform such other duties as may from time to time be determined by the Board.
51. The Secretary shall keep a record of all the members of the Society and their addresses, the date on which they became members, the date on which they ceased being members, the class of membership to which they belong, and shall send all notices of all the various meetings as required, and shall collect and receive the annual dues or assessments levied by the Society, such moneys to be promptly turned over to the Treasurer for deposit in a Bank, Trust Company, Credit Union or Treasury Branch as hereinafter required.
52. In the absence of the Secretary from a meeting, the Directors shall appoint another person to act as Secretary at the meeting.

Part 11 - DUTIES OF TREASURER

53. The Treasurer, or person performing the usual duties of a Treasurer, shall keep full and accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements of the Society in proper books of accounts and shall deposit all moneys or other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Society in a Bank, Trust Company, Credit Union or Treasury Branch as may from time to time be designated by the Board.
54. He shall be designated as one of the signing officers of the Society in any financial transaction. He shall disburse the funds of the Society under the direction of the Board, taking proper vouchers therefor and shall render to the Board at the regular meetings therefor or whenever required of him, an account of all his transactions as Treasurer, and of the financial position of the Society.
55. He shall prepare for submission to the Annual Meeting a statement duly audited as hereinafter set forth of the financial position of the Society and submit a copy of same to the Secretary for the records of the Society. He shall also perform such other duties as may from time to time be determined by the Board.
56. The office of the Secretary and Treasurer may be filled by one person if any annual meeting for the election of officers shall so decide.

Part 12 - DUTIES OF OTHER OFFICERS

57. The duties of all other officers of the Society shall be such as the terms of their engagement call for or the Board requires of them.

Part 13 - PROCEEDINGS AT MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

58. A majority of the Directors shall form a quorum for the transaction of business.
59. Except as otherwise required by law, the Board of Directors may hold its meetings at such place or places as it may from time to time determine. No formal notice of any such meeting shall be necessary if all the Directors are present, or if those absent have signified their consent to the meeting being held in their absence.
60. Directors’meetings may be formally called by the President or Vice-President or by the Secretary on direction in writing of two Directors.
61. Notice of such meeting shall be delivered, telephoned or telegraphed to each Director not less than one day before the meeting is to take place or shall be mailed to each Director not less than two days before the meeting is to take place.
62. The statutory declaration of the Secretary or President that notice has been given pursuant to this by-law shall be sufficient and conclusive evidence of the giving of such notice. The Board may appoint a day or days in any month or months for regular meetings at an hour to be named and of such regular meeting no notice need be sent.
63. A Directors’meeting may also be held without notice, immediately following the annual meeting of the Society. The Directors may consider or transact any business either special or general at any meeting of the Board.

Part 14 - ERRORS IN NOTICE : BOARD OF DIRECTORS

64. No error or omission in giving such notice for a meeting of Directors shall invalidate such meeting or invalidate or make void any proceedings taken or had at such meeting and any Director may at any time waive notice of any such meeting and may ratify and approve of any or all proceedings taken or had thereat.

Part 15 - VOTING : BOARD OF DIRECTORS

65. Questions arising at any meeting of Directors shall be decided by a majority of votes. In case of an equality of votes, the Chairman, in addition to his original vote, shall have a second or casting vote. All votes at such meeting shall be taken by ballot if so demanded by any Director present, but if no demand be made, the vote shall be taken in the usual way by assent or dissent.
66. A declaration by the Chairman that a resolution has been carried and an entry to that effect in the minutes shall be admissible in evidence as prima facie proof of the fact without proof of the number or proportion of the votes recorded in favour of or against such resolution.
67. In the absence of the President his duties may be performed by the Vice-President or such other Director as the Board may from time to time appoint for the purpose.

Part 16 - REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS

68. Unless authorized at any meeting and after notice for same shall have been given, no officer or member of the association shall receive any remuneration for his/her services.

Part 17 - BOOKS AND RECORDS

69. The Directors shall see that all necessary books and records of the Society required by the by-laws of the Society or by any applicable statute or law are regularly and properly kept.
70. The books and records of the Society shall be open to the inspection by members at all reasonable times, upon reasonable notice at the office of the Society. No fee shall be charge to members who wish to inspect the list of members or other records. If members requests a copy of a record, a fee of nor more than 25 cents for every 100 words copied shall be charged for this service as per Section 31 of the Societies Act.

Part 18 - SIGNATURE AND CERTIFICATION OF DOCUMENTS

71. Deeds, transfers, licenses, contracts and engagements on behalf of the Society shall be signed by either the President or Vice-President and by the Secretary. Contracts in the ordinary course of the Society’s operations may be entered into on behalf of the Society by the President, Vice-President, Treasurer or by any person authorized by the Board.
72. The Directors shall have power to appoint an officer or officers on behalf of the Society to sign contracts, documents, instruments in writing.
73. The terms “contracts, documents, or any instruments in writings” as used herein shall include deeds, mortgages, hypothecs, charges, conveyances, transfers and assignments of property real or personal, immovable or movable, agreements, releases, receipts and discharges for the payment of money or other obligations, conveyances, transfers and assignments of shares, stocks, bonds, debentures, or other securities and all paper writings.
74. The President, Vice-President, the Directors, Secretary or Treasurer, or any one of them, or any person or persons from time to time designated by the Board may transfer any and all shares, bonds or other securities from time to time standing in the name of the Society in its individual or any other capacity or as trustee or otherwise and may accept in the name of the Society transfers of shares, bonds or other securities from time to time transferred to the Society, and may make, execute and deliver any and all instruments in writing necessary or proper for such purposes, including the appointment of an attorney to make or accept transfers of shares, bonds or other securities on the books of any company or corporation.
75. The securities of the Society shall be deposited for safekeeping with one or more bankers, trust companies or other financial institutions to be selected by the Board. Any and all securities so deposited may be withdraw, from time to time, only upon the written order of the Society signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents of the Society, and in such manner, as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the Board and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. The institutions which may be so selected as custodians by the Board shall be fully protected in acting in accordance with the directions of the Board and shall in no event be liable for the due application of the securities so withdrawn from deposit or the proceeds thereof.
76. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary contained in the by-laws of the Society, the Board may at any time by resolution direct the manner in which, and the person or persons by whom, any particular instrument, contract or obligations of the Society may or shall be executed.

Part 19 - PROCEEDINGS AT ANNUAL AND OTHER MEETINGS OF MEMBERS

77. The originating meeting shall be the first annual meeting.
78. The Society shall hold an annual meeting on or before May 31st in each year, of which notice in writing to the last known address of each member shall be delivered in the mail 30 days prior to the date of the meeting.
79. At every annual meeting, in addition to any other business that may be transacted, the report of the Directors, the financial statement and the report of the Auditors shall be presented and a Board of Directors elected and auditors appointed for the ensuing year and the remuneration of the Auditors shall be fixed. The elected Board shall consists of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, (or Secretary-Treasurer), and three Directors. The officers and Directors so elected shall form a Board, and shall serve until their successors are elected and installed. Any vacancy occurring during the year shall be filled at the next meeting, provided it is so stated in the notice calling such meeting. Any member in good standing shall be eligible to any office in the Society.
80. General meetings of the Society may be called at any time by the Secretary upon the instructions of the President or Board by notice in writing to the last known address of each member, delivered in the mail eight days prior to the date of such meeting. A special meeting shall be called by the President or Secretary upon receipt by him of a petition signed by one-third of the members in good standing, setting the reasons for calling such meeting, which shall be by letter to the last known address of each member, delivered in the mail eight days prior to the meeting.
81. The Board of Directors or one-third of the members of the Society may requisition the Directors to call a general meeting of the Society for any of the purposes stated in the requisition. It shall be the responsibility of the Board to ensure that 8 days notice of such meetings shall be given to every member of the Society.
82. Every notice of the general meeting shall state the nature and the business of the meeting.
83. Questions arising at any meeting of the Society shall be decided by a majority of votes. In case of an equality of votes, the Chairman shall call a second vote. In the event the second vote results in an equality of votes the resolution shall be lost.
84. The quorum for transaction of business at any general meeting of the Society shall be a majority of the number of members.
85. Any member who has not withdrawn from membership nor has been suspended shall have the right to vote at any meeting of the Society.
86. Each member of the Society may vote by proxy; such proxy need not himself be a member but before voting shall produce and deposit with the Secretary sufficient appointment in writing from his constituent or constituents. No member shall be entitled either in person or by proxy to vote at meetings of the Society unless he has paid all dues or fees, if any, then payable by him.
87. A corporate member voting by proxy may vote by its authorized representative, who is entitled to speak and vote, and in all other respects exercise the rights of a member, and that representative shall be reckoned as a member for all purposes with respect to a meeting of the Society.
88. The rules of procedure at general meetings of the Society shall be determined at the first general meeting and may be amended by ordinary resolution.
89. No public notice nor advertisement of members’meetings annual or general, shall be required.

90. Special business is:

a) all business at an extraordinary general meeting except the adoption of rules of order; and
b) all business transacted at an annual general meeting, except
i) the adoption of rules of order;
ii) the consideration of the financial statements;
iii) the report of the Directors;
iv) the report of the Auditors;
v) the election of Directors;
vi) the appointment of the Auditors, if required; and
vii) the other business that, under these by-laws, ought to be transacted at an annual general meeting, or business which is brought under consideration by the report of the Directors issued with the notice convening the meeting.

91. No business, other than the election of a Chairman and the adjournment or termination of the meeting, shall be conducted at a general meeting at a time when a quorum is not present.
92. If at any time during a general meeting there ceases to be a quorum present, business then in progress shall be suspended until there is a quorum present or until the meeting is adjourned or terminated.
93. If within 30 minutes from the time appointed for a general meeting a quorum is not present, the meeting, if convened on the requisition of members, shall be terminated; but in any other case, it shall stand adjourned to the same day in the next week, at the same time and place, and if, at the adjourned meeting, a quorum is not present within 30 minutes from the time appointed for the meeting, the members present constitute a quorum.
94. Subject to by-law 95, the President of the Society, the Vice-President or in the absence of both, one of the other Directors present, shall preside as Chairman of a general meeting.
95. If at a general meeting there is no President, Vice-President or other Director present within 15 minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting; or the President and all the other Directors present are unwilling to act as Chairman, the members present shall choose one of their members to be Chairman.

96. A general meeting may be adjourned from time to time and from place to place, but no business shall be transacted at an adjourned meeting other than the business left unfinished at the meeting from which the adjournment took place. When a meeting is adjourned for 10 days or more, notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given as in the case of the original meeting. Except as provided in this by-law, it is not necessary to give notice of an adjournment or of the business to be transacted at an adjourned general meeting.
97. No resolution proposed at a meeting need be seconded and the Chairman of a meeting may move or propose a resolution.
98. In case of an equality of votes the Chairman shall have a casting or second vote in addition to the vote to which he may be entitled as a member and the proposed resolution shall pass.
99. Voting is by show of hands. Upon a show of hands, every member having voting rights shall have one vote, and unless a poll be demanded a declaration by the Chairman that a resolution has been carried or not carried and an entry to that effect in the minutes of the Society shall be admissible in evidence as prima facie proof of the fact without proof of the number or proportion of the votes accorded in favour of or against such resolution. The demand for a poll may be withdraw, but if a poll be demanded and not withdraw the question shall be decided by a majority of votes given by the members present in person or by proxy, and such poll shall be taken in such manner as the Chairman shall direct and the result of such poll shall be deemed the decision of the Society in general meeting upon the matter in question.
100. In case of an equality of votes at any general meeting, whether upon a show of hands or at a poll, the Chairman shall be entitled to a second or casting vote.

Part 20 - FINANCIAL YEAR

101. Unless otherwise ordered by the Board, the fiscal year of the Society shall terminate on the March 31st in each year.

Part 21 - BORROWING

102. For the purpose of carrying out its objects, the Society may borrow or raise or secure the payment of money in such manner as it thinks fit, and in particular by the issue of debentures, but this power shall be exercised only under the authority of the Society, and in no case shall debentures be issued without the sanction of a special resolution of the Society.
103. The Directors may from time to time
a) borrow money on the credit of the Society;
b) issue, sell or pledge securities of the Society; or
c) charge, mortgage, hypothecate or pledge all or any of the real or personal property of the Society, including book debts, rights, powers, franchises and undertakings, to secure any securities or any money borrowed, or other debt, or any other obligation or liability of the Society.

104. From time to time the Directors may authorize any Director, officer or employee of the Society or any other person to make arrangements with reference to the moneys borrowed or to be borrowed as aforesaid and as to the terms and conditions of the loan thereof, and as to the securities to be given thereof, with power to vary or modify such arrangements, terms and conditions and to give such additional securities for any moneys borrowed or remaining due by the Society as the Directors may authorize, and generally to manage, transact and settle the borrowing of money by the Society.

105. The Directors may authorize a Director or Directors, officer or officers, employee or employees of the Society or other person or persons whether connected with the Society or not, to sign, execute, and give on behalf of the Society, all documents, agreements, and promises necessary or desirable for the purpose aforesaid and to draw, make and accept, endorse, execute and issue cheques, promissory notes, bills of exchange, bills of lading and other negotiable or transferable instruments in the name and all renewable thereof, or substitutions therefore, if so signed shall be binding upon the Society.
106. The powers hereby conferred shall be deemed to be supplement of, not substitution for, any power to borrow money for the purposes of the Society, possessed by its Directors or officers independently of by-laws 104 and 105.
107. The members may by special resolution restrict the borrowing powers of the Directors, but a restriction imposed expires at the next annual general meeting.

Part 22 - AUDITORS

108. The books, accounts and records of the Secretary and Treasurer shall be audited at least once each year by a duly qualified accountant or by two members of the Society elected for that purpose at the Annual Meeting. A complete and proper statement of the standing of the books for the previous year shall be submitted by such Auditor at the Annual Meeting of the Society. The fiscal year of the Society in each year shall be March 31st.
109. The books and records of the Society may be inspected by any member of the Society at the Annual meeting provided for herein or at anytime upon giving reasonable notice and arranging a time satisfactory to the officer or officers having charge of same. Each member of the Board shall at all times have access to such books and records.
110. The first Auditor shall be appointed by the Directors who shall also fill all vacancies occurring in the office of the Auditor.
111. At each annual general meeting the Society shall appoint an Auditor to hold office until he is re-elected or his successor is elected at the next annual general meeting.
112. An Auditor may be removed by ordinary resolution.
113. An Auditor shall be promptly informed in writing of appointment or removal.

Part 23 - SEAL

114. The seal of the Society has not yet been purchased. The Directors may provide a common seal for the Society and may destroy a seal and substitute a new seal in its place.
115. The common seal shall be affixed only when authorized by a resolution of the Directors and then only in the presence of the persons prescribed in the resolution, or if no persons are prescribed, in the presence of the President and Secretary or President and Secretary-Treasurer.

Part 24 - IDEMNITIES TO DIRECTORS AND OTHERS

116. Every Director or officer of the Society or other person who has undertaken or is about to undertake any liability on behalf of the Society and their heirs, executors, administrators and estate, respectively, shall at all times, be indemnified and saved harmless, out of the funds of the Society from and against:
a) All costs, charges, and expenses whatsoever which such Director, officer or other person sustains or incurs in or about any action, suit or proceedings which is brought or prosecuted against him for, or in respect of any act, deed, matter or thing whatsoever made, done or permitted by him in or about the execution of the duties of his office except by his own willful neglect.
b) All other costs, charges and expenses, which he sustains or incurs in or about or in relation to the affairs thereof, except such costs, charges or expenses as are occasioned by his own willful neglect.


Part 25 - WINDING UP

117. It is the unalterable provision of this by-law that members of this Society shall have no interest in the property and assets of the Society; and that upon dissolution or winding up of the Society, any funds and assets of the Society remaining after satisfaction of its debts and liabilities, shall be distributed to a recognized Charitable Organization in the area whose objects most closely accord with those of this Society as determined by its members at dissolution.

Part 26 - BY-LAWS

118. The By-Laws may be rescinded or altered or added by a Special Resolution. The special resolution must be dated and verified by a person authorized by the Society.
119. Notice to amend any by-laws or introduce a new one shall be given in writing at a meeting of the Society prior to the meeting or circulated to the members of the Society present at any general meeting.
120. A change in the by-laws shall come into effect after the special resolution has been registered at the Corporate Registry.

Part 27 - ALTERATION OF OBJECTS

121. The Society may add or remove some of its objects if the members pass a special resolution to do so. The alteration to the objects does not take effect until the special resolution, which must dated and verified by an authorized person of the Society, is registered at Corporate Registry.

Part 28 - ARBITRATION

122. Disputes shall be settled by arbitration. Unless new by-laws provide otherwise, the arbitration shall be regulated by the Arbitration Act.

Part 29 - BRANCH SOCIETIES

123. The Society may establish branches and shall send a notice to Corporate Registry setting out:
a) the date on which the branch society was authorized
b) the title, locality and powers of the branch society
c) any other information the Registrar requires

124. The Society shall notify Corporate Registry when a branch ceases to exist.

Part 30 - FINES

125. Any member who contravenes Society by-laws shall be fined not more than $5.00.

DATED this ______________________day of ______________________________20_______

NAME(SIGNATURE) PLEASE PRINT NAME BELOW SIGNATURE
COMPLETE ADDRESS

1.________________________________________________________________________________________



2.________________________________________________________________________________________



3.________________________________________________________________________________________



4.________________________________________________________________________________________



5.________________________________________________________________________________________



WITNESS:

NAME(SIGNATURE) COMPLETE ADDRESS
________________________________________________________________________________________




E) Membership Form


Membership Form

Mount Benson Preservation Society

Signature: ____________________________________________________________

Name: __________________________________________________________________

Organization: ____________________________________________________________

Position: ____________________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

City/Town: ______________________________________________________

Province: ____________________________________________________________

Postal Code: ____________________________________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________________________________

E-mail: ______________________________________________________

My Areas of Interest/Research Include:_______________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Student/Unwaged $30
Small NGOs*/Low-waged $30 - $60 **
Faculty/Professional $60
Institutional $80
Corporate $300

* Non-government organizations
** please pay what you can afford

Send this form directly to the office for the Society:

Secretariat
Mount Benson Preservation Society
#201, 59 Nicol Street
Nanaimo, British Columbia
Canada V9R 4S7

F) Explanation of the four interacting circles

The following four interacting circles diagram is a representation of The Global Community.







The four interacting circles are quality systems. They are used because together they form a neat geometric expression about a complicated intellectual concept. They represent interactions. These interactions occur between the systems and within each individual system.


Here same-size circles represent mathematical local/global indicators that have been developed for assessing and measuring sustainable development within four realities in local/global life. The Scale of Human and Earth Right is used within the mathematical model (see GCAC files for complete description of the model) reflects the importance of each quality system in ensuring a sound future for Earth.


People need a healthy environment and resources for industry. Businesses cannot thrive without people or resources. Economic stability depends on people, resources, and good businesses. And all of the above cannot exist without environment.


The four interacting circles are a simplistic expression of our need for one another, our interaction, the thoughtless damage we can cause. We are worlds within worlds orbiting in and through each other’s space. This interaction can be planned and executed in a caring, considerate manner so that all may exist and not destroy the other. The Global Community Assessment Centre (GCAC) measures, evaluates, and integrates the interactions and present results to Earth Community. GCAC offers a method based on fundamental principles, a sound science, and results are used to propose policies for management of global changes.

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Letter to the Board of Directors of the Regional District of Nanaimo

Earth Community Organization (ECO)
Unit 201, 59 Nicol Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9R 4S7, Canada
email: gdufour@globalcommunitywebnet.com

Monday, January 13, 2003

Joe Stanhope
Director and Chair
Board
Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN)
Eamail: corpsrv@rdn.bc
planning@rdn.bc.ca
growthmanagement@rdn.bc.ca

Dear members of the Regional District Board and RDN Growth Management Plan,

Sent via email: RE: Regional District Board and Regional District of Nanaimo Growth Management Plan

I am writing on behalf of the Earth Community Organization (ECO), also called The Global Community organization, the global civil society, the human family, all 6.2 billion people on Earth. The global civil society is the mind, heart and Soul of humanity, the human family. They maybe NGOs, businesses, agencies, scientists and professionals, religious groups, and other groups. A short history of ECO is available on the website at http://globalcommunitywebnet.com/gdufour/ECOhistory.htm

ECO has a membership of 600 members from 130 nations. We have so far organized two global dialogues the last one was held last August  in Toronto at the Harbourfront Community Centre. Information for contacting the staff at the community centre is given at the end of this message. Issues, Program and workshop sessions of Global 2002 are listed on our website. We have already developed several global ministries including Earth Security, and we are forming Earth Government, its foundation. In time, Earth Government will make a lot of sense.  A world overpopulation creates global problems and Earth Government is the only practical solution to our problems. Both global dialogues, Global 2000 and Global Dialogue 2002, show our results: universal values, global concepts, the Vision of the Earth in Year 20024,  the Scale of Human and Earth Rights, the Charter of the Earth Community, the Earth Court of Justice, new local and global indicators, positive and constructive actions to sustain Earth and all life, a sense of direction for humanity, global ministries, recommendations to the United Nations and all Peoples of the world, a campaign to design the Earth flag is well on its way, and the determination of the membership of the Earth Community Organization in forming a democratically elected Earth Government.

We have an assessment centre, the  Global Community Assessment Centre ( GCAC ),  for discussion and joint action on issues of local and global concerns and for the restoration of the planet, our home.

We would like to be involved on local issues in Nanaimo, and that was the reason for proposing to the City of Nanaimo and the RD of Nanaimo an assessment proposal, that is to conduct a Biophysical and Economic Assessment of Mount Benson and Surrounding Ecosystems  in the context of a Vancouver Island Urban and Rural Development Master Plan. The Master Plan will significantly improved the Vancouver Island future in regards to its environment, economic development, protection of its resource usages and decommissioning of old sites, and the quality of life of all citizens. There are letters to that effect in the January Newsletter on our website. After  reviewing the Millstone River Greenway Vision and the RDN Growth Management Plan, I also proposed to do a follow up on the Vision, and to include the remaining section of the RD of Nanaimo in the follow up.

Some of the major results of the assessment will be concerned with:

     * Creating areas for outdoor recreation for everyone.
    * Promote ecotourism.
     * Preserving the park system that reflect the unique character and quality of our mountainous and sea setting.
     * Provide education and interpretation settings to citizens and tourists about natural and past heritage.
     * Protect and enhance wildlife habitats, native fauna and flora, riverine forests, waterfront environment.
     * Establish naturally sustainable landscapes and ecosystems.
     * Resolve pollution concerns.
     * Contribute to aesthetic quality.
     * Comprehensive expectation of the quality of the freshwater over the long run.
     * The economic impacts of environmental and health degradation, resource depletion, and depreciation of natural stocks. The natural stoks include forests,  minerals, soils, fishery, water, wildlife, and air. The use of productive stocks give rise to income and, therefore, both people-made and natural stocks must be considered in a similar manner. The evaluation of sustainable development must include both types of stocks available for use as income or benefits, and all investments and returns as well. Consumption levels of both types of stocks must be maintained without depleting and depreciating the quality and  quantity of services the stocks bring in creating wealth.
     * The status of each resource and the stocks and productive capacities of exploited populations and ecosystems, and make sure that those capacities are sustained and replenished after use.
     * The status of ecological processes and biological diversity of each natural resource; measuring the impacts of consuming a resource on other renewable resources, biological diversity, people health, and life-support systems, and establishing harvest levels.
     * The annual change in the stocks of natural resources, quality of the system, their costs, and the services they provide to the economy.
     * The welfare, economic development and quality of life of future generations.
     * Expenditures on pollution abatement and clean-ups of old sites.
     * Play a major role in shaping Nanaimo's image and, therefore, attract tourists and investors.

The Growth Management Plan and the Environment project are very important and should involved the civil society of Nanaimo in the decision-making. A Society should be formed to lobby government, educate the people in the community, be visible in the public, and bring up issues of concerns to the community. The Millstone River  Greenway project was needed and certainly an excellent initiative but it died out after money ran out. As if people in the community are no longer concerned with the ecosystems when money runs out. A Society would not die out. It would always be there to help the community, money or no money.  We propose the creation of an advisory committee made of environmental groups, and the civil society in the RD of Nanaimo.

The RDN Growth Management Plan must not support further fragmentation and use of endangered ecosystems, especially the Nanaimo Lowlands. Further development in those areas would greatly affect negatively the quality of life of the people in the community.  It would be better to have no further development until a sustainable land-use plan is put in place that would take into account concerns from the civil society in Nanaimo, concerns such as conservation of our natural environment, drinking water protection, endangered fauna and flora, clean air, protection of fish habitats,  and ecotourism. We are very concerned about the population increase in the region along with its needs of more golf courses and outdoor recreational facilities. Plan must be made to separate human activities from endangered ecosystems. The natural environment must be secured before further planning for development. RDN watersheds must also be given the highest protection.

We are proposing making Westwood Ridge a city park protected as an ecosystem reserve along with Mount Benson. Included here is a description of such a change.

We would also like participation of the City of Nanaimo in Global Dialogue 2004 to be held in the RDN on August 2004:
New Age Civilization of the 3rd Millennium:
the age of global co-operation and symbiotical relationships
theme
A Vision to Caring for Life and Earth

Global Dialogue 2004 is concerned with all local issues such as those listed above and also include economic and social issues of the RDN.

We are asking the City of Nanaimo and the RD of Nanaimo to help support our campaign to save Mount Benson and surrounding ecosystems from further development and logging. Help is needed in terms of petition package and brochure, signs, creation of the new Society, investigation expenses for the environmental assessment, and obtaining reports and maps already published by RDN. Help is needed in the purchasing of land to convert it to an ecological reserve or protected area.

Thank you for the opportunity to allow civil society participation in the growth of Nanaimo and of the Regional District of Nanaimo.

May the DIVINE WILL come into our lives and show us the way.
May our higher purpose in life bring us closer to the Soul of Humanity and God.

Cordially,

Germain

Germain Dufour, President
Earth Community Organization (ECO) and  Interim Earth Government
Apt. 201, 59 Nicol Street , Nanaimo, British Columbia , Canada  V9R 4S7
Website of the Earth Community Organization and of the Interim Earth Government
 http://globalcommunitywebnet.com/gdufour/
Email addresses
gdufour@globalcommunitywebnet.com

 
 
 

Information about the community where the global dialogue was held in August 2002:
Harbourfront Community Centre
Office phone (416) 392-1509
Fax (416) 392-1512
E-mail hcc@lefca.com
Address 627 Queen's Quay W, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3G3
Location (Intersection) Toronto Central (Bathurst St-Queen's Quay W)
Officer Leona Rodall, Executive Director




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Letter to His Worship, Gary Richard Korpan, Mayor of the City of Nanaimo

Earth Community Organization (ECO)
Unit 201, 59 Nicol Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9R 4S7, Canada
email: gdufour@globalcommunitywebnet.com

Monday, January 13, 2003 His Worship Gary Richard Korpan
Mayor of the City of Nanaimo
3598 Hammond Bay Road
Nanaimo, B.C. V9T 1E9
council@city.nanaimo.bc.ca
gkorpan@city.nanaimo.bc.ca
http://www.city.nanaimo.bc.ca/b_clerk/council.asp

Dear Mayor Korpan:

Sent via email: RE: His Worship Gary Richard Korpan, council@city.nanaimo.bc.ca

I am writing on behalf of the Earth Community Organization (ECO), also called The Global Community organization, the global civil society, the human family, all 6.2 billion people on Earth. The global civil society is the mind, heart and Soul of humanity, the human family. They maybe NGOs, businesses, agencies, scientists and professionals, religious groups, and other groups. A short history of ECO is available on the website at http://globalcommunitywebnet.com/gdufour/ECOhistory.htm

ECO has a membership of 600 members from 130 nations. We have so far organized two global dialogues the last one was held last August  in Toronto at the Harbourfront Community Centre. Information for contacting the staff at the community centre is given at the end of this message. Issues, Program and workshop sessions of Global 2002 are listed on our website. We have already developed several global ministries including Earth Security, and we are forming Earth Government, its foundation. In time, Earth Government will make a lot of sense.  A world overpopulation creates global problems and Earth Government is the only practical solution to our problems. Both global dialogues, Global 2000 and Global Dialogue 2002, show our results: universal values, global concepts, the Vision of the Earth in Year 20024,  the Scale of Human and Earth Rights, the Charter of the Earth Community, the Earth Court of Justice, new local and global indicators, positive and constructive actions to sustain Earth and all life, a sense of direction for humanity, global ministries, recommendations to the United Nations and all Peoples of the world, a campaign to design the Earth flag is well on its way, and the determination of the membership of the Earth Community Organization in forming a democratically elected Earth Government.

We have an assessment centre, the  Global Community Assessment Centre ( GCAC ),  for discussion and joint action on issues of local and global concerns and for the restoration of the planet, our home.

We would like to be involved on local issues in Nanaimo, and that was the reason for proposing to the City of Nanaimo and the RD of Nanaimo an assessment proposal, that is to conduct a Biophysical and Economic Assessment of Mount Benson and Surrounding Ecosystems  in the context of a Vancouver Island Urban and Rural Development Master Plan. The Master Plan will significantly improved the Vancouver Island future in regards to its environment, economic development, protection of its resource usages and decommissioning of old sites, and the quality of life of all citizens. There are letters to that effect in the January Newsletter on our website. After  reviewing the Millstone River Greenway Vision and the RDN Growth Management Plan, I also proposed to do a follow up on the Vision, and to include the remaining section of the RD of Nanaimo in the follow up.

Some of the major results of the assessment will be concerned with:

     * Creating areas for outdoor recreation for everyone.
    * Promote ecotourism.
     * Preserving the park system that reflect the unique character and quality of our mountainous and sea setting.
     * Provide education and interpretation settings to citizens and tourists about natural and past heritage.
     * Protect and enhance wildlife habitats, native fauna and flora, riverine forests, waterfront environment.
     * Establish naturally sustainable landscapes and ecosystems.
     * Resolve pollution concerns.
     * Contribute to aesthetic quality.
     * Comprehensive expectation of the quality of the freshwater over the long run.
     * The economic impacts of environmental and health degradation, resource depletion, and depreciation of natural stocks. The natural stoks include forests,  minerals, soils, fishery, water, wildlife, and air. The use of productive stocks give rise to income and, therefore, both people-made and natural stocks must be considered in a similar manner. The evaluation of sustainable development must include both types of stocks available for use as income or benefits, and all investments and returns as well. Consumption levels of both types of stocks must be maintained without depleting and depreciating the quality and  quantity of services the stocks bring in creating wealth.
     * The status of each resource and the stocks and productive capacities of exploited populations and ecosystems, and make sure that those capacities are sustained and replenished after use.
     * The status of ecological processes and biological diversity of each natural resource; measuring the impacts of consuming a resource on other renewable resources, biological diversity, people health, and life-support systems, and establishing harvest levels.
     * The annual change in the stocks of natural resources, quality of the system, their costs, and the services they provide to the economy.
     * The welfare, economic development and quality of life of future generations.
     * Expenditures on pollution abatement and clean-ups of old sites.
     * Play a major role in shaping Nanaimo's image and, therefore, attract tourists and investors.

The Growth Management Plan and the Environment project are very important and should involved the civil society of Nanaimo in the decision-making. A Society should be formed to lobby government, educate the people in the community, be visible in the public, and bring up issues of concerns to the community. The Millstone River  Greenway project was needed and certainly an excellent initiative but it died out after money ran out. As if people in the community are no longer concerned with the ecosystems when money runs out. A Society would not die out. It would always be there to help the community, money or no money.  We propose the creation of an advisory committee made of environmental groups, and the civil society in the RD of Nanaimo.

The RDN Growth Management Plan must not support further fragmentation and use of endangered ecosystems, especially the Nanaimo Lowlands. Further development in those areas would greatly affect negatively the quality of life of the people in the community.  It would be better to have no further development until a sustainable land-use plan is put in place that would take into account concerns from the civil society in Nanaimo, concerns such as conservation of our natural environment, drinking water protection, endangered fauna and flora, clean air, protection of fish habitats,  and ecotourism. We are very concerned about the population increase in the region along with its needs of more golf courses and outdoor recreational facilities. Plan must be made to separate human activities from endangered ecosystems. The natural environment must be secured before further planning for development. RDN watersheds must also be given the highest protection.

We are proposing making Westwood Ridge a city park protected as an ecosystem reserve along with Mount Benson. Included here is a description of such a change.

We would also like participation of the City of Nanaimo in Global Dialogue 2004 to be held in the RDN on August 2004:
New Age Civilization of the 3rd Millennium:
the age of global co-operation and symbiotical relationships
theme
A Vision to Caring for Life and Earth

Global Dialogue 2004 is concerned with all local issues such as those listed above and also include economic and social issues of the RDN.

We are asking the City of Nanaimo and the RD of Nanaimo to help support our campaign to save Mount Benson and surrounding ecosystems from further development and logging. Help is needed in terms of petition package and brochure, signs, creation of the new Society, investigation expenses for the environmental assessment, and obtaining reports and maps already published by RDN. Help is needed in the purchasing of land to convert it to an ecological reserve or protected area.

Thank you for the opportunity to allow civil society participation in the growth of Nanaimo and of the Regional District of Nanaimo.

May the DIVINE WILL come into our lives and show us the way.
May our higher purpose in life bring us closer to the Soul of Humanity and God.

Cordially,

Germain

Germain Dufour, President
Earth Community Organization (ECO) and  Interim Earth Government
Apt. 201, 59 Nicol Street , Nanaimo, British Columbia , Canada  V9R 4S7
Website of the Earth Community Organization and of the Interim Earth Government
 http://globalcommunitywebnet.com/gdufour/
Email addresses
gdufour@globalcommunitywebnet.com

 
 
 

Information about the community where the global dialogue was held in August 2002:
Harbourfront Community Centre
Office phone (416) 392-1509
Fax (416) 392-1512
E-mail hcc@lefca.com
Address 627 Queen's Quay W, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3G3
Location (Intersection) Toronto Central (Bathurst St-Queen's Quay W)
Officer Leona Rodall, Executive Director




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Letter to Honourable Stan Hagen, Minister of Sustainable Resource Management of British Columbia, Canada

Earth Community Organization (ECO)
Unit 201, 59 Nicol Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9R 4S7, Canada
email: gdufour@globalcommunitywebnet.com

Monday, January 13, 2003 Honourable Stan Hagen
Minister of Sustainable Resource Management of British Columbia
Canada
premier@gov.bc.ca
Phone: 250 356-9076
PO Box 9054
Stn PROV GOVT
Victoria BC V8W 9E2
send an email using
http://www.legis.gov.bc.ca/mla/3-4.asp
http://www.gov.bc.ca/bcgov/cont/
http://www.gov.bc.ca/prem/popt/exec/hagens.htm

Dear Honourable Stan Hagen:

Sent via email: RE: Honourable Stan Hagen, premier@gov.bc.ca

I am writing on behalf of the Earth Community Organization (ECO), also called The Global Community organization, the global civil society, the human family, all 6.2 billion people on Earth. The global civil society is the mind, heart and Soul of humanity, the human family. They maybe NGOs, businesses, agencies, scientists and professionals, religious groups, and other groups. A short history of ECO is available on the website at http://globalcommunitywebnet.com/gdufour/ECOhistory.htm

ECO has a membership of 600 members from 130 nations. We have so far organized two global dialogues the last one was held last August  in Toronto at the Harbourfront Community Centre. Information for contacting the staff at the community centre is given at the end of this message. Issues, Program and workshop sessions of Global 2002 are listed on our website. We have already developed several global ministries including Earth Security, and we are forming Earth Government, its foundation. In time, Earth Government will make a lot of sense.  A world overpopulation creates global problems and Earth Government is the only practical solution to our problems. Both global dialogues, Global 2000 and Global Dialogue 2002, show our results: universal values, global concepts, the Vision of the Earth in Year 20024,  the Scale of Human and Earth Rights, the Charter of the Earth Community, the Earth Court of Justice, new local and global indicators, positive and constructive actions to sustain Earth and all life, a sense of direction for humanity, global ministries, recommendations to the United Nations and all Peoples of the world, a campaign to design the Earth flag is well on its way, and the determination of the membership of the Earth Community Organization in forming a democratically elected Earth Government.

We have an assessment centre, the  Global Community Assessment Centre ( GCAC ),  for discussion and joint action on issues of local and global concerns and for the restoration of the planet, our home.

We would like to be involved on local issues in Nanaimo, and that was the reason for proposing to the City of Nanaimo and the RD of Nanaimo an assessment proposal, that is to conduct a Biophysical and Economic Assessment of Mount Benson and Surrounding Ecosystems  in the context of a Vancouver Island Urban and Rural Development Master Plan. The Master Plan will significantly improved the Vancouver Island future in regards to its environment, economic development, protection of its resource usages and decommissioning of old sites, and the quality of life of all citizens. There are letters to that effect in the January Newsletter on our website. After  reviewing the Millstone River Greenway Vision and the RDN Growth Management Plan, I also proposed to do a follow up on the Vision, and to include the remaining section of the RD of Nanaimo in the follow up.

Some of the major results of the assessment will be concerned with:

     * Creating areas for outdoor recreation for everyone.
    * Promote ecotourism.
     * Preserving the park system that reflect the unique character and quality of our mountainous and sea setting.
     * Provide education and interpretation settings to citizens and tourists about natural and past heritage.
     * Protect and enhance wildlife habitats, native fauna and flora, riverine forests, waterfront environment.
     * Establish naturally sustainable landscapes and ecosystems.
     * Resolve pollution concerns.
     * Contribute to aesthetic quality.
     * Comprehensive expectation of the quality of the freshwater over the long run.
     * The economic impacts of environmental and health degradation, resource depletion, and depreciation of natural stocks. The natural stoks include forests,  minerals, soils, fishery, water, wildlife, and air. The use of productive stocks give rise to income and, therefore, both people-made and natural stocks must be considered in a similar manner. The evaluation of sustainable development must include both types of stocks available for use as income or benefits, and all investments and returns as well. Consumption levels of both types of stocks must be maintained without depleting and depreciating the quality and  quantity of services the stocks bring in creating wealth.
     * The status of each resource and the stocks and productive capacities of exploited populations and ecosystems, and make sure that those capacities are sustained and replenished after use.
     * The status of ecological processes and biological diversity of each natural resource; measuring the impacts of consuming a resource on other renewable resources, biological diversity, people health, and life-support systems, and establishing harvest levels.
     * The annual change in the stocks of natural resources, quality of the system, their costs, and the services they provide to the economy.
     * The welfare, economic development and quality of life of future generations.
     * Expenditures on pollution abatement and clean-ups of old sites.
     * Play a major role in shaping Nanaimo's image and, therefore, attract tourists and investors.

The Growth Management Plan and the Environment project are very important and should involved the civil society of Nanaimo in the decision-making. A Society should be formed to lobby government, educate the people in the community, be visible in the public, and bring up issues of concerns to the community. The Millstone River  Greenway project was needed and certainly an excellent initiative but it died out after money ran out. As if people in the community are no longer concerned with the ecosystems when money runs out. A Society would not die out. It would always be there to help the community, money or no money.  We propose the creation of an advisory committee made of environmental groups, and the civil society in the RD of Nanaimo.

The RDN Growth Management Plan must not support further fragmentation and use of endangered ecosystems, especially the Nanaimo Lowlands. Further development in those areas would greatly affect negatively the quality of life of the people in the community.  It would be better to have no further development until a sustainable land-use plan is put in place that would take into account concerns from the civil society in Nanaimo, concerns such as conservation of our natural environment, drinking water protection, endangered fauna and flora, clean air, protection of fish habitats,  and ecotourism. We are very concerned about the population increase in the region along with its needs of more golf courses and outdoor recreational facilities. Plan must be made to separate human activities from endangered ecosystems. The natural environment must be secured before further planning for development. RDN watersheds must also be given the highest protection.

We are proposing making Westwood Ridge a city park protected as an ecosystem reserve along with Mount Benson. Included here is a description of such a change.

We would also like participation of the City of Nanaimo in Global Dialogue 2004 to be held in the RDN on August 2004:
New Age Civilization of the 3rd Millennium:
the age of global co-operation and symbiotical relationships
theme
A Vision to Caring for Life and Earth

Global Dialogue 2004 is concerned with all local issues such as those listed above and also include economic and social issues of the RDN.

We are asking the City of Nanaimo and the RD of Nanaimo to help support our campaign to save Mount Benson and surrounding ecosystems from further development and logging. Help is needed in terms of petition package and brochure, signs, creation of the new Society, investigation expenses for the environmental assessment, and obtaining reports and maps already published by RDN. Help is needed in the purchasing of land to convert it to an ecological reserve or protected area.

Thank you for the opportunity to allow civil society participation in the growth of Nanaimo and of the Regional District of Nanaimo.

May the DIVINE WILL come into our lives and show us the way.
May our higher purpose in life bring us closer to the Soul of Humanity and God.

Cordially,

Germain

Germain Dufour, President
Earth Community Organization (ECO) and  Interim Earth Government
Apt. 201, 59 Nicol Street , Nanaimo, British Columbia , Canada  V9R 4S7
Website of the Earth Community Organization and of the Interim Earth Government
 http://globalcommunitywebnet.com/gdufour/
Email addresses
gdufour@globalcommunitywebnet.com

 
 
 

Information about the community where the global dialogue was held in August 2002:
Harbourfront Community Centre
Office phone (416) 392-1509
Fax (416) 392-1512
E-mail hcc@lefca.com
Address 627 Queen's Quay W, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3G3
Location (Intersection) Toronto Central (Bathurst St-Queen's Quay W)
Officer Leona Rodall, Executive Director




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Petition to save Mount Benson and surrounding ecosystems

To support the right of the people in the community of the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) to participate in the decision-making process concerning the development of their community as it relates to the future of Mount Benson and surrounding ecosystems, sign the following petition and participate with us in the Campaign to make Westwood Ridge a City of Nanaimo 'protected park', and Mount Benson a RDN ‘protected park’.

Sign one of the two boxes or both of them. A signature means that you agree. An empty box means you do not agree. I have read the Petition to ask the City of Nanaimo to buy Westwood Ridge and make it a 'protected park', and RDN to buy Mount Benson and make it 'a protected park', and I hereby sign the petition:

        Name(print)                      Address                        Phone     Date     D/M/Y     City of Nanaimo
buys Westwood Ridge		 RDN buys
Mount Benson
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           

Mount Benson Preservation Society
Earth Community Organization (ECO)
Global Community WebNet Ltd.





 
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