Running and making music to help save Record Ridge
By Sara Golling
The struggle for Record Ridge goes on and it’s very expensive.
As anyone following the issue of the proposed open-pit magnesium mine on Record Ridge knows by now, a BC Supreme Court judge, Mr. Justice Weatherill, ruled that the proposed mine does not need an environmental assessment. For a more complete discussion of the situation, read this article in Business in Vancouver magazine.
The Save Record Ridge Action Committee (SRRAC) is appealing that decision. Litigation costs money – quite a lot of money. SRRAC is not only appealing the decision, but working hard to raise money to pay the legal bills incurred in their efforts to protect the rare grassland on Record Ridge and its resident flora and fauna, the adjacent Seven Summits Trail, the safety of local residents and recreationists who must use the Old Cascade Highway, and the peaceful enjoyment of their property by people who live nearby.
One local man, Tom Mellish (pictured above), has started a GoFundMe page to raise money for SRRAC; he will be running the 50-K Broken Goat race on July 18 and is asking people to donate to his fundraiser – all funds will go to help SRRAC.
On his GoFundMe page, Mellish says, “Record Ridge is my favourite place in the Rossland Range. It is home to rolling alpine grasslands filled with wild flowers, which are punctuated by striking old-growth trees. Habitats like Record Ridge are exceedingly rare within BC, let alone the world. Indeed, I have never experienced anything quite like Record Ridge.”
Other locals are making efforts to help with SRRAC’s efforts. Brett Wildeman organized the creation of a mixtape with 16 items by locals or former locals celebrating Record Ridge, wild places and community; it is now for sale, with the proceeds going to help save Record Ridge.
To purchase a CD ($20) or digital album ($15) go to the Bandcamp site. Or, you can explore the SRRAC website and find the “Donate” page, which offers several options, including the quick and simple method of an e-transfer.
SRRAC’s efforts continue; the group has expressed determination to keep opposing the open-pit mine proposal by all legal means possible. In doing that, they represent and act on behalf of all who believe that Record Ridge and its rare grassland is of far more value to the community and the world without being blasted apart for an open-pit mine.
