Threats to Stoltmann Tree Sitters in British Columbia
8/11/99
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RELAYED TEXT STARTS HERE:
Title: UPDATE threats to Stoltmann Treesit
Source: PATH & FAN
www.enviroweb.org/PATH
path@envirolink.org
Status: Copyright 1999, contact source for permission to reprint
Date: August 11, 1999
Stoltmann Wilderness Aug 11, 1999, 10:41am - At 8:20am this morning,
four Interfor employees two wearing bandannas over their faces, one
wearing a baleclava and one in war paint sped up to our camp in a blue
and white ford crew cab with an Interfor logo on the doors.
The trucks license plates were bent so we could not identify it, poor
planning on there part however left the Interfor Truck number 74
visible.
The Interfor employees rushed our camp with axes and shovels in hand.
The chopped the ropes to our tarps and smashed our lantern. They
claimed they were here to put out a fire. There was no fire at this
protest camp at the time.
Gian, a protester at our camp asked "Why are you disguised, why don't
you face me man to man are you going to do something illegal?"
One employee pointed to our video camera, aimed at them and replied,
pointing at the videographer, "Not as long as he holds that."
Just before leaving they held up a note which read: "You have 24 hours
to leave."
Most of this footage is on video tape and will be sent to Vancouver
with our next vehicle back.
"The protesters at the camp feel stronger than ever, and the
intimidation tactics used by Interfor and the Soo Coalition will not
deter us. With nine protesters at the camp this morning and nine more
joining us, we shall stay true to our goals and stop this extremist
corporation (Interfor) and their hired thugs from destroying anymore
of this pristine ancient forest.
"We demand a stop to all road building and clearcutting in the
proposed Stoltmann National Park reserve, until all disputes over this
land including First Nations claims are settled, explained PATH
spokesperson Barney Kern.
"If Interfor continues to allow their company trucks to be used to
deliver threats and vandalism, we shall persue all legal means
available to us; although, our priority, protecting the Stoltmann
remains - we shall not be distracted by these strong arm tactics!"