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Consider these facts: |

THE ENDOWMENT LANDS
ARE UNIQUE

Apart from Stanley Park, this 1700 acre tract on
the Point Grey peninsula is the only significant non-
mountainous forest area remaining in the entire
Lower Fraser Valley. Its fir, cedar and hemlock
stands are just approaching maturity while Stanley
Park's big trees are past maturity and many are
decaying. Right now, Vancouver's only developed
forest park is being used to.near capacity. Every
summer weekend thousands of people converge on
it from all parts of the metropolitan area — an
area with a population presently in excess of
1,000,000 which is expected to double in little
more than 20 years! To‘relieve this pressure a
second regional forest park wil! soon become a
necessity.

DESTROYING THEM WOULD
SOLVE NO PROBLEMS

It may be unfortunate that half the population of
British Columbia chooses to live in a tiny corner
comprising one quarter of one percent of the pro-
vincial land mass. But that’s how it is. Here on the
Lower Mainland our population density per square

“mile has long exceeded that of Holland, which is

the highest in Europe. Assuming the generally pro-
jected figure of 30,000 new residents annually, the
total new housing which could result from the de-
struction of the Endowment Lands would accom-
modate not more than a single year’s increase. It
would do literally nothing for the long range
problem.

... AND ONCE DESTROYED
THEY CANNOT BE REPLACED

Look at a map. Can you find a more magnificently
situated location for a new regional park than the
publicly owned Endowment Lands? Can you guess
whal 11 would cost io acquire and develop an equal-
ly attractive alternative’ As urban growth con-
linues, adequate large wale recreational space must
be provided. Because of increasing energy restric-
tions, Common sense dictates that the space select-
ed should also be as close as possible to the centre
of population.

The Endowment Lands admirably meet these re-
quirements. They are presentiy served by 5 major
access routes. Rapid transit wil! place them onlv
minutes from any part of the metropolitan area.
But let's be realistic. These forest lands are noi
transportable. Nor can they be duplicated. Once
levelied for construction purposes all citizens will
be the losers — especial!\ those who lack the means
10 seek oul-of-town recreation, the very people the
Pravincial Government chiefly wishes Lo serve.

 

DOUGLAS COLLEGE LISRARY
WORTH SAVING? GO SEE ARCHIV ES
FOR YOURSELF

Have you ever walked through the wooded trails
that criss cross the Endowment Lands? Many are
presently unmarked and, in places, overgrown. But,
potentially, these paths and trails are as beautiful
as those of Stanley Park. Small streams trickle
down deep ravines to the Point Grey beaches.
Flocks of Great Blue Herons nest in the thickets
together with over 100 other species of birds. A

- large aspen grove and other natural features are
considered locally unique and irreplaceable by eco-
logical scientists.

But go see for yourself. Get in behind the grubby
fringes. Explore! It takes little imagination to visual-
ize what a relatively minor investment in time and
money could accomplish in this superb setting.
Like Stanley Park in our own time, the Endowment
Lands itpresersed 9 will prow de an escape hatch
from urban pressures for which future generations
of Vancouver citizens will be ever grateful.

IF YOU AGREE, HERE ARE
SOME THINGS YOU CAN DO

If you agree with what you have just been reading,
the Endowment Lands Regional Park Committee
welcomes vour support and cordialiy invites you
to join us. {You'll find out ali about us on the back
panel.)

Specifically

. we invite your participation at our meetings as
a concerned individual or representative of a com-
munity organization, business, labour or other in
terest group. There is an organizational job to be
done, public meetings to be arranged, plans to be
formulated. You can help.

. we invite you to write Premier David Barrett in
support of our regional park cancent far the En-
dowment Lands. Similar letters should be addressed
lo the Hon. Bob Williams, Minister of Resources;
the Hon. Jack Radford, Minister of Recreation and
Conservation and the Hon. Lorne Nicolson, Minister
of Housing. all care of Parliament Buildings, Vic-
toria. Brief jetters are the most effective method of
registering your views with your elected officials.
In the open type of government we enjoy, cabinet
mempers do respond to citizen initiative. Your
MLA should also know where you stand. Drop him
a line. And while you’re al il, write your local
newspaper!

. we invite your financial support. Our Commit-
tee has no membership fees or paid staff. Our efforts
are entirely voluntary. Time, talent and dollars are
being contributed solely by concerned individuals.
We would deeply appreciate your donation of one
or all of these essentials.

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