Sooke RCMP is investigating after spikes appear to have been deliberately placed in a fallen old-growth tree.
Sooke and Lake Cowichan RCMP were alerted to the tree on April 7, which was located near the Granite Mainline Forest Service Road inside the Fairy Creek injunction area.
Employees with a security company had found the fallen tree and located approximately 30 metal spikes that had been driven through the trunk and dragged to the area from where it had been cut.
Police believe that the tree and the spikes were placed in order to hinder forestry workers from safely conducting operations.
In addition, PVC piping was found inside the log which police say may have been intended to be used as a “sleeping dragon” — a device commonly used by protestors to secure themselves to a physical structure.
This tactic to impede forestry operations is not only illegal, but is extremely dangerous,
said Chief Superintendent John Brewer, Gold Commander of the RCMP Community-Industry Response Group. We wish to remind everyone that peaceful protests can take place without the risk of harming others. In return, criminal acts such as these will not be tolerated and perpetrators will be arrested and prosecuted according to our Canadian laws.
The RCMP will continue to actively patrol the forestry roads and the corridor to ensure they remain accessible and clear of obstructions.
CHEK News
