Your Op-ed on trapping is quite fabulous. As you may know, what launched
the Fraser Valley Conservation Coalition into our Stokes Pit Campaign
was the trapping out of 7 full colonies of beavers (average 10-12
beavers/lodge)and God-only knows how many fresh water Otter. The
trapping was done in the spring, when there were undoubtedly kits in the
beaver lodges. It was done in an area that HAD one of the richest
wildlife populations in the region, and was a very popular
fishing/hiking/dog walking area: ripe with potential to inadvertently
trap pets, children and at-risk species like the Painted Turtles.

It bears noting that Dianne Watts is one politician in this region who
has made several attempts to eliminate this cruel, medieval practice
that is so jarringly inconsistent with the values of our residents.

There are a number of states and local governments in the US that now
prohibit any use of leghold traps, and I believe that it is time for the
animal loving communities of Surrey and Langley to do so as well. It is
a move that I believe would be very popular.

Thanks again for the great piece!

Donna Passmore
Fraser Valley Conservation Coalition