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Sawmiller disappointed

Paul Bickford
Northern News Services

Hay River (Oct 27/03) - Hay River sawmiller Eugene Patterson doesn't feel like he has won anything.

That's after what might look like a successful appeal of a GNWT decision to deny him a timber licence in the Cameron Hills.

"I didn't win the appeal," Patterson says.

He explains that, in late 2001, his company Patterson Sawmill applied for a licence to harvest 10,000 cubic metres of white spruce in each of five years, but the application was eventually rejected. The appeal earned him a recommended 4,000 cubic metres annually, plus 1,000 cubic metres of firewood.

But he says that is not enough. "We haven't figured out how we can make a living on 4,000."

Patterson also says the licence application based on the appeal recommendations may again become tied up in bureaucracy.

The appeal was heard in July by Yellowknife lawyer Jack Williams, acting as an advisor to Jim Antoine, minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development.

In a late September report, Williams recommended that a revised harvest plan and licence application be circulated to surrounding Deh Cho communities for input even though there was ample opposition to the original licence application.

Williams also recommended that harvesting be restricted to outside the land withdrawal area of the Deh Cho First Nations' Interim Measures Agreement. The Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board will also be notified before any licence is issued. In addition, parties other than RWED could request an environmental assessment.

Jumping hoops

"They're making it impossible for a sawmill to operate," says Patterson, noting it has been over three years since a tree has been cut for his sawmill.

Tom Lakusta, the manager of forest resources with RWED, says the department will help Patterson meet the requirements to obtain a licence.

"Hopefully, if those hoops can be jumped through, Mr. Patterson can be harvesting in the Cameron Hills this winter."

Patterson is less optimistic, believing the process will take an another year or two.