When The Land Conservancy of BC (TLC) purchased Wildwood Ecoforest from Merv Wilkinson in 2000, we pledged to protect the site forever. Although TLC is no longer in a position to own Wildwood, we will protect the property for the future through a restrictive covenant on the title. The Board of Directors and I will keep our promise to Merv.
Merv not only wanted his property protected from clear cutting, but even more important to him was that his method of sustainable tree harvesting be continued. That included demonstrating to industry and forestry students that his method was superior to clear cutting. TLC’s proposed sale will protect that legacy; the sale includes a covenant and Forest Management Plan that outlines how the 78 acre site will continue to be run the way Merv did. To ensure due diligence in this regard, TLC is having the proposed Forest Management Plan reviewed by independent experts in the field.
The Forest Management Plan, which includes public access and education, would be monitored by TLC via the covenant on title.
The potential purchaser worked with Merv at Wildwood for 10 years. Since then he has carried on Merv’s practice on his own woodlot.
When TLC submitted its Plan of Arrangement to the Court on February 23, 2015, the judge suggested that we discuss with Ecoforestry Institute Society (EIS) to alleviate their concerns and to avoid further costly court dates. If the Wildwood transfer goes to a Court hearing it will cost both EIS and TLC a great deal, which will hurt TLC’s creditors and put properties at further risk.
TLC entered into the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) process to see creditors paid to the fullest extent possible while protecting TLC’s properties as best as possible. The proposed sale of Wildwood satisfies both criteria; the forest will be sustainably forested by an experienced ecoforester and creditors will receive payment.
The Court appointed a Monitor who is supervising TLC’s restructuring to ensure that TLC continues to act in good faith and with due diligence. In their last Report to the Court, the Monitor confirmed that TLC’s “Plan provides for maximum conservation and protection” of TLC’s properties.
For the sale to be finalized, a judge of the Supreme Court of B.C. will be asked to approve the sale as fair and reasonable. The Court would also hear arguments from the Attorney General or other party regarding any trusts that may exist in relation to the property at that time.
The Board of Directors and I will continue to do everything in our power to see TLC’s creditors paid to the fullest extent possible and while protecting our properties. We welcome EIS to continue the discussion process with us to satisfy all that Wildwood Ecoforest will continue to be protected in the way Merv Wilkinson wanted.
John Shields
Director of Operations
It’s not a discussion when one side simply drops the news of their preferred deal on the head of those who have been trying in good faith to negotiate. Surely you know this, John.
Where can I read the proposed covenant?
Merv had every opportunity to sell his woodlot to other selective loggers but he wanted to protect it in perpetuity for public use to learn how the entire ecosystem is important to the health of any forest. He encouraged students of all ages to study the biodiversity of not just the trees, but the plants, animals and the soil. He spoke to all who would listen of the importance of maintaining a balance to maintain the health of the forest. He did NOT want to sell Wildwood; he wanted it to remain as an example of what is possible and as an educational and instructional resource for all. He chose to donate his share of the property to TLC while having his ex-wife, Grace, receive payment for her share of the property. Family and friends worked hard to pay off the mortgage so that Wildwood would not be in the position that TLC has put it today. Selling it to a private individual, no matter who that individual is, is NOT what Merv wanted. I know this because my family and I spent many days there listening to Merv’s wisdom and his wishes.