Pass rat objects to UofA research in Star Creek basin

Peter Dunbar, Letter to the Editor

Hello Editor, ( and all true 'Pass Rats')

The University of Alberta (UofA) is still planning to mow down much of the forest in Star Creek basin to do 'research'.  They want to turn the valley into a giant petri dish. But is it worth the cost?? Including: a greater potential spring run-off that could damage roads & houses, a complete loss of the valley being a restful, aesthetically pleasing natural retreat to hike, bike & camp, of course the visual 'uglification' when anyone glances in the direction of Star Creek, and with modern logging practices the valley will not grow back as quickly nor as beautifully as the last time it was logged.

Star Creek in area to be logged. Highly unlikely it will be this beautiful and clear after logging.

The term 'Pass Rat' is a cheeky but affectionate moniker referring to someone who lives in, and loves this valley. A 'lab rat' is a creature that's exploited in ways that rarely benefit the rat, & is utilized to help the researcher gain information and data . Realistically however, the researcher's efforts to gain information can be flawed from the beginning, be subject to a myriad of unpredictable, & uncontrollable short falls, & always leads to the abuse (even destruction) of the 'lab rat'. Research is risky with no guarantee of useful or profitable information. It is quite undesirable to be a 'lab rat'. 

Small pond in headwaters of West Star Creek. Do people really know how beautiful this valley is??

Waterfall in upper East Star Creek

So we the people of the Crowsnest Pass are to be the 'lab rats' of the UofA, & literally for decades experience the consequences of their 'research' in Star Creek basin. I prefer to call it the wanton destruction of our forest for the redundant propagation of 'Phd-wanna-bees'. THEY DON"T LIVE HERE!! What does the UofA really care about the local 'lab rats ' who must for years live with the consequences of their actions?? (They'll be sitting in a far away office crunching data with a dysfunctional degree hanging on the wall.) Regretfully our provincial government, & key gov't employees are standing with the UofA. Would they do this research project in Kananaskis country, the Castle, or other higher profile venues?? What makes us so "special"?? Why are we to be the 'lab rats'?? For you true 'Pass Rats' it's now time to protest loudly & take some action to preserve the Star Creek valley. I haven't chatted with one person 'who lives here' who thinks this is a good idea. (OK a few, but they work for the gov't.) Our new Premier refers to this valley with idealized sentiment. Try reasoning with him, because the list of politicians at any level of government standing boldly against this research project is 'nil'.

I'm a 'Pass Rat', not a 'lab rat',

UofA... go home!

Leave Star Creek alone!!!

Peter Dunbar