WESTCOAST NEWS
Painted turtles are the winners in B.C. Supreme Court decision

Canadian Press

Monday, May 30, 2005

NELSON - Environmentalists are praising the results of a B.C. Supreme Court judicial review of a road development they say has saved a population of painted turtles and blue herons in B.C.'s Interior.

The Ministry of Water, Land, and Air Protection had intended to relocate the entry to Grohman Narrows Provincial Park.

The Nelson EcoSociety, however, challenged the proposal, collecting more than 2,000 signatures in its campaign to stop the development.

Originally, ministry employees recommended that the ministry not move the access road as it would directly impact the turtle nesting habitat.

In March, then-minister Bill Barisoff approved the development despite staff recommendations.

"The minister is not authorized to make such a decision," said Justice Janet Sinclair-Prowse. "I have decided that the decision is not valid."

Supporters of the challenge could hardly contain their glee when the justice announced her findings, said society member Suzie Hamilton.
© The Vancouver Sun 2005