Powell River Peak July 2, 1998By Laura Walz, Reporter
Twin Islands sold last Friday to an anonymous buyer who plans to preserve and protect the pristine forest left on the property.
According to Vancouver businessman George Reifel, who brokered the deal, the new owner plans to be a good steward and a good neighbour. "There is a rehabilitation plan being prepared for the south island," Reifel added.
'The new owner plans to practice sound stewardship of the forest."
Denman Island resident Mike Jenks bought Twin Islands last December and immediately began logging the south island, despite protests from adjacent Cortes Island residents and other environmentalists from around the province.
While Reifel, who will also manage the islands, couldn't disclose the purchase price, he did say it was less than the rumoured $11 million. He also said the new owner, whose identity was unknown, was very protective of his or her privacy.
Before Jenks bought the pristine property, Twins Islands, just off the south end of Cortes Island, was previously owned by a relative of Britain's royal family. The Queen and Prince Phillip relaxed on the islands during a 1986 tour of British Columbia.
Reifel added the new owner planned to maintain the main lodge and caretakers' residence located on the north island.