Tree-spiking discovered at active Interfor logging operation in British Columbia; sabotaged timber was identified and no injuries related to the 'eco-terrorism' have been reported, says provincial official

Wendy Lisney

LOS ANGELES , November 29, 2012 (Industry Intelligence Inc.) –

Several tree-spiking incidents have occurred at one of International Forest Products Ltd.’s (Interfor) logging operations in the Roche Lake area of British Columbia, west of Bleeker Lake, according to a provincial official, reported the Kamloops Daily News on Nov. 27.

The incidents began in June with warnings posted that spikes had been driven into trees; but the culprits did not identify themselves and leads have gotten nowhere, said Patrick Tobin, who is with the province’s Ministry of Forests, Land and Natural Resource Operations.

Workers have identified and discarded the sabotaged timber, although the possibility remains that in high-paced logging one spiked tree could get through, said Tobin. However, no injuries have been reported so far, he noted, the Kamloops Daily News reported.

The Climb Kamloops group, an organization of rock climbers, was identified as the only active users with an interest in the area. However, the group’s website shows that the rock climbers are cooperating with compliance authorities and Interfor.

Calls seeking comment from Interfor and the Climb Kamloops group were not returned, reported the Kamloops Daily News.

During the investigation by Interfor and the province’s Natural Resources agency, several spiked trees were discovered that were still standing and some had already been cut down, Tobin said, adding that such vandalism is rare in the area.

The province’s Report All Poachers and Polluters line at (877) 952-7277 is accepting calls with any information about the tree-spiking.

Spikes hidden in the trees can cause saw blades that are running at high speeds to break apart and send metal pieces flying, possibly injuring workers and damaging equipment inside sawmills, said Tobin, the Kamloops Daily News reported.

The primary source of this article is the Kamloops Daily News, Kamloops, British Columbia, on Nov. 27, 2012.
 

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