Evergreen Alliance Staff
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Journalism: The over-exploitation of BC forests
Library: Destruction of wildlife habitat and loss of biodiversity
Journalism: Loss of forest-related employment
Journalism: The need to expedite final treaties with First Nations
Journalism: Loss of primary forest
Journalism: Loss of carbon sequestration capacity
Other notable forest-related writing and reports
Noteworthy writing and reports from the forest-industrial complex
Forest News
Library: The over-exploitation of BC forests
Library: Loss of primary forest
Library: Loss of the hydrological functions of forests
Make conservation of the hydrological function of forests a higher priority than timber extraction
Library: Loss of forest-related employment
Library: The need to expedite final treaties with First Nations
Transition from clearcut logging to selection logging
Library: Increase in forest fire hazard
Journalism: End public subsidization of BC's forest industry
Library: End public subsidization of BC's forest industry
Library: The need to reform BC forest legislation
Journalism: The need to reform BC forest legislation
Library: Creating a new vision for BC forests
Forest industry public subsidy calculator
Manufacturing and processing facilities
Forest Trends
Investigations
Community Forest Mapping Projects
Area-based calculations of carbon released from clearcut logging
Journalism: The increase in forest carbon emissions
Library: Increase in forest carbon emissions
To protect biodiversity, transition away from clearcut logging
Peachland Watershed Protection Alliance
Library: Loss of future employment resulting from exporting raw logs
Mapping old forest on Vancouver Island
Mapping old forest in Omineca Natural Resource Region
Mapping old forest in Skeena Natural Resource Region
Mapping old forest in Northeastern Natural Resource Region
Mapping old forest in Cariboo Natural Resource Region
Mapping old forest in South Coast Natural Resource Region
Mapping old forest in Thompson-Okanagan Natural Resource Region
Mapping old forest in Kootenay-Boundary Natural Resource Region
Forest Conservation Organizations
Mapping old forest on Haida Gwaii
Mapping old forest on the central coast
Library: Ecologically damaging practices
Journalism: Ecologically damaging practices
Critical Issues
Analysis
Comment
Listed species: Cascades Natural Resource District
Listed species: 100 Mile House Natural Resource District
Listed species: Campbell River Natural Resource District
Listed species: Cariboo-Chilcotin Natural Resource District
Listed species: Chilliwack River Natural Resource District
Listed species: Fort Nelson Natural Resource District
Listed species: Haida Gwaii Natural Resource District
Listed species: Mackenzie Natural Resource District
Listed species: Nadina Natural Resource District
Listed species: North Island Natural Resource District
Listed species: Peace Natural Resource District
Listed species: Prince George Natural Resource District
Listed species: Quesnel Natural Resource District
Listed species: Rocky Mountain Natural Resource District
Listed species: Sea-to-Sky Natural Resource District
Listed species: Selkirk Natural Resource District
Listed species: Skeena Natural Resource District
Listed species: South Island Natural Resource District
Listed species: Stuart-Nechako Natural Resource District
Listed species: Sunshine Coast Natural Resource District
Listed species: Thompson Rivers Natural Resource District
Listed species: Coast Mountains Natural Resource District
Action Group: Divestment from forest-removal companies
Fact-checking mindustry myths
First Nations Agreements
Monitor: BC Timber Sales Auctions
BC Timber Sales auction of old-growth forests on Vancouver Island
Monitoring of forest fires in clearcuts and plantations: 2021
Library: End public subsidization of forest industry
Examples of engaging the mindustry:
Portal: The over-exploitation of BC forests
Portal: The need to reform BC forest legislation
Portal: The need to expedite treaties with First Nations
Portal: The need to get more organized, informed and inspired for change
Portal: Develop a new relationship with forests
Portal: Destruction of wildlife habitat and loss of biodiversity
Portal: Loss of the hydrological functions of forests
Portal: Increase in forest fire hazard
Portal: Loss of carbon sequestration capacity
Portal: Increase in forest carbon emissions
Portal: Ecologically damaging forestry practices
Portal: Loss of forest-related employment
Portal: Loss of future employment resulting from raw log exports
Portal: Costs of floods, fires and clearcutting of watersheds
Portal: The economic impact on communities of boom and bust cycles
Portal: Loss of economic development by other forest-based sectors
Portal: The true cost of subsidies provided to the logging industry
Help
Loss of trust in institutions
Portal: The instability of communities dependent on forest extraction
Portal: The psychological unease caused by forest destruction
Portal: Loss of trust in institutions caused by over-exploitation of BC forests
Portal: Social division caused by over-exploitation of BC forests
Journalism: The instability of communities dependent on forest extraction
Journalism: Psychological unease caused by forest destruction
Journalism: Loss in trust of institutions as a result of over-exploitation of BC forests
Journalism: Social division caused by over-exploitation of BC forests
Library: The instability of communities dependent on forest extraction
Library: Psychological unease caused by forest destruction
Library: Loss of trust in institutions as a result of over-exploitation of BC forests
Library: Social division caused by over-exploitation of BC forests
Resources: Psychological unease caused by forest destruction
Resources: The economic impact on communities of boom-and-bust cycles
Resources: Loss of economic development potential in other forest-based sectors
Journalism: Cost of floods, fires and clearcutting of community watersheds
Journalism: The economic impact on communities of boom-and-bust cycles
Journalism: Loss of economic development potential in other forest-based sectors
Library: Cost of floods, fires and clearcutting of community watersheds
Library: The economic impact on communities of boom-and-bust cycles
Library: Loss of economic development potential in other forest-based sectors
Portal: Permanent loss of forests to logging roads
Portal: The economic costs of converting forests into sawdust and wood chips
Journalism: Permanent loss of forests to logging roads
Library: Permanent loss of forests to logging roads
Journalism: The economic costs of converting forests into sawdust and wood chips
Library: The economic costs of converting forests into sawdust and wood chips
Resources: The economic costs of converting forests into sawdust and wood chips
Resources: Ecologically damaging forestry practices
Resources: Conversion of forests to permanent logging roads
Library: Getting organized
Journalism: Getting organized
Forest politics
Forest Stewards
Portal: Plantation failure
Library: Plantation failure
Journalism: Plantation failure
Library: Loss of carbon sequestration capacity
Portal: Soil loss and damage
Journalism: Soil loss and damage
Library: Soil loss and damage
Resources: Soil loss and damage
Journalism: Loss of employment resulting from export of raw logs
Journalism: Destruction of wildlife habitat and loss of biodiversity
Journalism: Loss of the hydrological functions of forests
Journalism: Increase in forest fire hazard
Action Group: Sunlighting professional reliance
Making the case for much greater conservation of BC forests
Science Alliance for Forestry Transformation
Bearing witness:
Economic State of the BC Forest Sector
Big tree mapping and monitoring
Reported Elsewhere
Protect more
Start a forest conservation project
Get involved
Article reference pages
Physical impacts created by logging industry
Nature Directed Stewardship at Glade and Laird watersheds
References for: How did 22 TFLs in BC evade legal old-growth management areas?
References for: BC's triangle of fire: More than just climate change
References for: Teal Cedar goes after Fairy Creek leaders
References for: Is the draft framework on biodiversity and ecosystem health something new? Or just more talk and log?
IWTF events, articles and videos
Store
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Everything posted by Evergreen Alliance Staff
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The provincial government, in concert with logging companies, continues to colonize and exploit the resources of Indigenous Peoples, all while making a pretence of consultation and reconciliation. Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs ON DECEMBER 1, 2021, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs held a press conference to announce it’s response to the provincial government’s 30-day deadline for First Nations to make known their position on old-growth priority area deferrals. Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, provided a short and sharp official statement: “The provincial government made its announcement to much fanfare on November 2nd, but a month later First Nations are still lacking supports, and threatened old-growth forests continue to be destroyed. The Horgan government is abdicating its responsibility to protect old-growth, is pressuring First Nations into making critical decisions regarding the territories and forests they have stewarded over since time immemorial, and is continuing to deny the fact that they must immediately provide substantial resources to support First Nations towards this goal—this is consent by coercion.” Grand Chief Phillip made a powerful personal statement, as well, which we include below: “I WANT TO BEGIN BY THANKING THE ORGANIZERS for bringing us together to have this critically important discussion in regard to preserving, protecting and defending last stands of old-growth forest throughout the entire province of British Columbia. “The issue of old growth is in many ways the metaphor for the absolute neglect of forest lands in BC for the last 50 years. “If anyone has the opportunity to fly over British Columbia, you will see a massive wasteland of clearcuts. Recently, within the context of flooding in Merritt, there was a time-lapse photograph of the progressive clearcut logging in the Merritt area. [The video] starts about a decade ago and brings you up to today and it’s absolutely shocking the amount of timber that’s been removed from the hills around the Merritt area. “We all know, once you remove the timber, those lands are vulnerable to mudslides and rockslides and flooding and so on and so forth. But what’s really heartbreaking about that scenario is many of those clearcuts were undertaken by First Nation forestry companies. What happens in our world is we’re recruited by the large timber companies, and our approach is brown-washed [by] slapping an Indian name on the logging company and then we hop on the bandwagon of clearcutting, pipelines, mines, and join the parade in regard to totally devastating the lands, environment, the delicate riparian ways and the habitat. “There’s been millions of acres in British Columbia that have been clearcut that have totally devastated the habitat of wildlife. All wildlife populations are crashing beyond belief. The caribou, moose, elk, deer populations—they’re migrating into the cities. It’s amazing: we have urban deer now—there’s nothing for them to eat where they once lived in the forest lands. “So that’s part of the issue that we’re dealing with. The timber that has survived this onslaught, exploitation and profiteering is the old-growth stands. And that’s why there’s such a pitched battle over saving the old growth. “Let’s be clear. What we want is a moratorium on old-growth logging. Period. We don’t want some convoluted, concocted, deceitful notion of deferrals, of kicking the ball down the road and allowing the industrialized devastation of logging in British Columbia to continue. “Surely to goodness people have connected the dots and understand that clearcut logging has played a major role in the flooding, in the landslides, the mudslides that have destroyed our transportation infrastructure, our water systems, our villages and towns. “It’s time for the government to understand that they have an enormous responsibility to properly caretake the lands throughout the province of British Columbia—and stop pandering to big industry, stop pandering to the corporate world in terms of oil and gas, forestry, and fish farms, you name it. “We have a very, very corrupt system whereby the corporations finance the election campaigns and expect concessions once the government is elected. At the end of the day it’s the pristine beauty of the land—the birthright of every British Columbian, not just Indigenous people, all British Columbians. And that’s what we’re fighting for and that’s why we have so many wonderful friends and allies standing with us on the front lines. “The response from government is militarized police raids. RCMP in full military gear, carrying assault rifles, attack dogs. That’s the face of LNG, that’s the face of mining, that’s the face of Fairy Creek and clearcutting. “So I just want to hold my hands up to all of those good people in British Columbia that understand this issue and know that we have to stand together to defend British Columbia. “The UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People does not and was never meant to open the doors for Indigenous entrepreneurs to join the gold rush and go out there with their chainsaws and cut down old-growth forests, or clearcut forests. That’s not what the UN Declaration is about. The UN Declaration is about the teachings that have been handed down for millennia to protect Mother Earth, to defend Mother Earth. It’s our grandchildren we are fighting for. “So I thank all those that have come together and put themselves in harm’s way to defend the land, Mother Earth. Mother Earth belongs to all of us.” Related: Resources for better understanding the need to expedite treaties with First Nations -
By the Science Advisory Alliance for Forestry Transformation Abstract: A brief analysis of the likely causes of loss of forestry jobs in BC over the last 3 decades. Job Change in the Forest Sector October 1 2021.pdf
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By R. Schwindt with the assistance of Adrienne Wanstall Abstract: A critical analysis of the Pearse Commission's report The Pearse Commission and the Industrial Organization of the British Columbia Forest Industry (1979).pdf
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Abstract: This report contains the findings and recommendations of the Royal Commission on Forest Resources appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council of the Province of BC on June 12, 1975. Timber Rights and Forest Policy in British Columbia (The Pearse Report, 1976).pdf
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This is the 34-page "Introduction" to the report from the second royal commission examining BC's forest resources. Gordon Sloan was the Chief Justice of BC. Relevant to the questions of how to increase forest-related employment, the report provides some data about the number of people employed in each of the tree industry sectors, and the volumes of wood needed to support those jobs. The Sloan Commission Report (1957).pdf
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2018 Forest Consultation and Revenue Sharing Agreement We Wai Kai Forest Consultation and Revenue Sharing Agreement 2018 smallest.pdf
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Raincoast is a team of scientists and conservationists empowered by our research to safeguard the land, waters, and wildlife of coastal British Columbia. We investigate to understand coastal species and processes. We inform by bringing science to decision-makers and communities. We inspire action to protect wildlife and wildlife habitats. Website
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This website has six objectives: (1) to bear witness to deliberate extinction in Canada; (2) to map the recent decline of a caribou herd long designated for protection; (3) to call out the agencies and corporations responsible for this decline; (4) to highlight the downstream social costs incurred by their actions; (5) to outline a new conservation landscape for Deep-Snow Caribou; (6) to encourage young Canadians to build a future for Canada’s icon of mountain wilderness. Website
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Along with farming and settlements, forestry has had and continues to have a serious negative impact on the Shuswap environment and the entire province. Logging roads have been built into nearly every valley and clearcuts and young plantations permeate the landscape. SEAS has had an active role in monitoring and critiquing forest management planning and forestry activities since 1990. Website
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Juan de Fuca Forest Watch
Evergreen Alliance Staff posted a record in Forest Conservation Organizations
As Juan de Fuca regional residents living on unceded indigenous territory we share this in common: We are gravely troubled by the staggering rate and volume of deforestation in our region. We believe that our forests are being grossly mismanaged, and that these lands which should represent our commons have been unjustly expropriated in the name of fast profit for industry shareholders, at the expense of ecological sustainability and what is literally the birthright ground for future generations. Our vision is two-fold: 1. An outright moratorium on old-growth logging. 2. A consistent practice of sustainable forestry that is accountable (in plain language) to elected, regional representatives and that fosters increased related employment. To achieve these visions we will grow an active community of participation dedicated to reclaiming the intrinsic value of our forests. In so doing we might also redirect our attitudes and imaginations to a more just and viable economy. facebook -
We are a small group of citizens concerned with a proposed forest harvest above the Duteau Creek Community Watershed reservoir near Lumby. In 2016 we were notified by Tolko of two proposed cutblocks, LV1243 on the west and LV1244 on the East side of Duteau Creek, directly above the Harvey Lake reservoir that supplies the Greater Vernon Water Utility’s Whitevale Water Treatment facility with water for distribution to the region. Since 2016, HOW has had many meetings with Tolko, RDNO, OKIB, MLAs, UBCO and, after two years of lobbying and two letters from our legal counsel, we were invited to present our objections to the Duteau Community Watershed Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) in April of 2019. The TAC members include RDNO, Tolko, MFLNRO, local Native American groups, and other ’stakeholders’. After that meeting, the RDNO became more opposed to the cutblocks, and Tolko put the LV1243 on temporary hold. LV1244, on the back of Bluenose Mountain, is on temporary hold due to Tolko not being granted access across private property. On Friday, April 21, 2021, HOW became aware of Tolko’s plan to commence building roads into LV1243 and proceed to harvest the cutblock in May of 2021. The RDNO has ‘adamantly objected’, as is evident from their recent press releases. HOW continues to engage with all stakeholders of the Duteau Creek Community Watershed and is working diligently to protect this environmentally sensitive area. Website
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This organization provides mapping and descriptions of proposed logging in the Bridge River Valley area. website
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Friends of the Lardeau River (in the Kootenay region) is a non-profit society focused on environmental protection of the Lardeau River and the fish and wildlife values supported by this river. Our goals are: •To promote and establish protected area strategy status for the Lardeau River • To coordinate and deliver a comprehensive fish and wildlife conservation strategy and habitat stewardship master plan for Lardeau, Duncan and North Kootenay Lake watersheds • To lobby and facilitate a series of fish and wildlife inventories and initiatives • To provide support ensuring the Lardeau River’s biodiversity is protected • To identify the impacts of the Duncan Dam and assess the biodiversity loss to flooding • To network with conservation groups, community, individuals, First Nations, youth, Governments, agencies, politicians and industry to meet our goals and objectives facebook
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The purpose of the GWPS is to protect the ecosystem of the Glade watershed and separate PODs in Upper Glade, including maintaining current water quality, quantity, and timing of flow, while influencing the watershed processes to restore historical, natural levels of water quality, quantity, and timing of flow, and by consequence, to provide for the health and well being of the Glade community. The value that the forest adds to the health and welfare of all life is paramount and how we care for the elements of nature that provide us with these benefits should be foremost in our actions. Website facebook
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THIS DATA, from the Ministry of Forests and BC Stats, shows that in 2019, the logging industry had to cut twice the volume of forest—compared with 1965—for every direct job it provided. The lower level of employment is the result of lower-value wood and mechanization of the industry. Since 2019 there has been an uptick in the number of jobs per 1000 cubic metres logged. The historical long-term decline in industry jobs is illustrated by the second graph below. -
CONTINUED EXPORT OF RAW LOGS not only results in destruction of forest ecosystems, greater areas of higher fire hazard and more climate change, it exports thousands of future job-years of employment every year it continues. This graph uses jobs data from BC Stats and the most recently available raw log export volumes from the ministry of forests to determine the number of jobs in wood product manufacturing and the pulp and paper industry that are lost due to log exports. Noteworthy is the steady decline in raw log exports—and jobs—which mirrors the decline in the total volume of logs cut in BC since 2018. -
In 2018, Anthony Britneff and Martin Watts, both registered professional foresters, made a 134-page joint submission to a panel of forest scientists and professionals assembled to investigate concerns Britneff had expressed in writing to forests minister Doug Donaldson. Britneff and Watts summarized their concerns in a 20-page report prepared for Focus, outlining numerous problems associated with the data used to inform provincial timber supply reviews. That summary is included below. Britneff-and-Watts-2018-submission-to-the-Forest-Inventory-Review-Panel.pdf Britneff-and-Watts-2018-submission-to-the-Forest-Inventory-Review-Panel (summary).pdf
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Mission: AWARE is committed to protecting Whistler’s natural environment by speaking up and taking action on environmental issues, while empowering others to do the same. Priorities: SAFEGUARDING HABITAT, BIODIVERSITY & WILDERNESS VALUES We work to safeguard habitats and species to maintain connectivity of ecosystems, supporting wildlife and human health. BUILDING SUSTAINABLE, RESILIENT COMMUNITY We engage and empower our community to make smart choices, consume mindfully and consider impacts on the environment and the climate. Values: COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIP We collaborate with other groups because environmental protection is more effective when supported by consensus and when aligned with broader strategies. We approach all our partnerships with integrity, honesty and accountability and seek to partner with local organizations where there are shared values and/or opportunities for efficiency. COMMUNICATION AND EDUCATION We develop communications and outreach opportunities as public understanding, engagement and activation, lead to responsible stewardship of our shared natural assets. We create and deliver educational programs because change starts with knowledge. RESEARCH AND PARTICIPATION We take part in and coordinate research projects, in order to ensure what we do is based in fact and science. We participate in government and community processes because our natural resources and environment deserve a voice. Website Map of Whistler's Old and Ancient Trees (click to enlarge)
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qathet - a named gifted by the elders of Tla’amin to our Regional District, meaning working together. Located on the traditional territory of the Tla’amin, shíshálh, Klahoose, Homalco, and K’ómoks first nations, the northern sunshine coast on the west coast of British Columbia. qathet Old Growth was formed out of growing concerns within our community about the current management of our public lands. Industrial forestry practices are having an affect on our watersheds, suitable habitat, biodiversity health and investment into our local economy. We support the recommendations of a New Future for Old Forests and want to advocate for a partnership with First Nations, Foresters, Politicians, the Public and Government so that we can transition to a more sustainable future. Website Facebook
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The Ecoforestry Institute Society (EIS) is a registered non-profit, charitable society comprised of a volunteer Board and a strong core of community volunteers. Together, we are dedicated to the principles and practices of ecoforestry – that is, demonstrating that we can harvest trees and plants from the forest while maintaining healthy and integrated ecological systems. We place value on the services provided by nature such as the provision of the air that we breathe, hydrological systems that filter and distribute water, carbon sequestration, the nutrients that feed the forest through natural decaying processes, and wildlife habitat. We believe it is essential to work within the capacity of nature, and that we can develop a viable economic framework built on the stewardship of an ecologically sound forest. Economic value can be gained through the production of value-added wood goods and services, educational programming, ecotourism and related activities. EIS is the Trustee of Wildwood Ecoforest and holds the property on behalf of the people of British Columbia. Website Facebook
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Friends of Clayoquot Sound
Evergreen Alliance Staff posted a record in Forest Conservation Organizations
Friends of Clayoquot Sound (FOCS) was established as a non-profit society in Tofino, British Columbia, Canada in 1979. Our mission is to be peaceful, courageous advocates in protecting the ancient temperate rainforest, ocean, rivers and biodiversity of Clayoquot Sound. We are a grassroots environmental group. The efforts of our tiny paid staff are amplified by the work of volunteers. In the early 1980s we focussed on working with Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations to protect Meares Island in their traditional territory. This was the first time Canadians had blockaded loggers to prevent an ancient forest from being cut. The campaign received national attention and culminated in the Meares Island Tribal Park Declaration by the Tla-o-qui-aht. They were successful in getting a court injunction which to this day prevents development on Meares Island until the question of who owns the land (British Columbia has no treaty with Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations) is settled. The late 1980s were a time of burgeoning ecological awareness. In that global context, FOCS expanded its goal, from protecting Meares Island to protection of all of Clayoquot Sound. A series of logging blockades ensued, culminating in the mass protests of Clayoquot Summer 1993. In the iconic act of civil disobedience in Canadian history, 12,000 people attended our Peace Camp, and 856 people were arrested for peacefully blocking the road. This succeeded in drawing international attention, making protection of temperate rainforests a global priority. Much has transpired since 1993, including a lot of logging of ancient rainforests, but no company has yet begun logging the intact valleys. Website Facebook -
The Mother Tree Project
Evergreen Alliance Staff posted a record in Forest Conservation Organizations
THE MOTHER TREE PROJECT is investigating forest renewal practices that will protect biodiversity, carbon storage and forest regeneration as climate changes. This field-based research compares various retention levels of Mother Trees (large, old trees) and their neighbours, as well as regenerating seedling mixtures, in Douglas-fir forests located across nine climatic regions in British Columbia. Research The Mother Tree Project explores how connections and communication between trees, particularly below-ground connections between Douglas-fir Mother Trees and seedlings, could influence forest recovery and resilience following various harvesting and regeneration treatments. The project was designed to explore these relationships across different climates, in order to understand how climate change could influence these processes and affect the outcomes of the treatments. The team Led by Dr. Suzanne Simard, forest ecology professor at the University of British Columbia, the Mother Tree Project brings together academia, government, forestry companies, research forests, community forests and First Nations to identify and design successful forest renewal practices. Website Facebook -
The Horgan government’s failure to protect at-risk old-growth forests is forcing BC citizens to take real action themselves. The Old Growth Revylution blockade was recently visited by an RCMP officer (Photo by Sadie Parr) THE MOVEMENT TO STOP THE DESTRUCTION of BC’s old-growth forests by blockading logging roads—as practiced by Vancouver Island’s Rainforest Flying Squad—is spreading. A group of Revelstoke-area citizens, calling themselves Old Growth Revylution, has established a blockade on a logging road beside Bigmouth Creek north of Revelstoke. The group is blocking access to a newly constructed logging road leading to three planned cutblocks in the pristine Argonaut Valley. The cutblocks would be logged under a licence granted by BC Timber Sales (BCTS), a division of the ministry of forests. Not only is the spread of the movement a vote of no confidence in Premier John Horgan’s vague promises of future 2-year logging deferrals on old forest, the engagement with a BCTS-led logging operation opens a new and interesting front in the citizen-led battle against old-growth forest destruction. I will come back to this development later. A view of logging of old-growth forest in Bigmouth Valley. The Revylution wants to protect Argonaut Valley ecosystems from this destruction. (Photo by Sadie Parr) Several ENGOs, including Wildsight, Echo Conservation, the Wilderness Committee and Valhalla Wilderness Society, have been campaigning to protect the pristine Argonaut Valley. The valley is in the Inland Temperate Rainforest, a globally-unique ecosystem under heavy pressure by the logging industry. Most of the valley has been mapped under Canada’s Species At Risk Act as critical habitat for Mountain Caribou, one of BC’s most endangered species. Last December, the BC ministry of forests initially responded to these concerns with a statement noting “the ministry suspended planned harvesting operations in the Argonaut drainage to allow for further assessments around how harvesting activities might impact caribou in this area. This assessment is ongoing and no further timber harvest activities will occur in the area while the assessment is underway.” BCTS then withdrew 11 of 14 cutblocks planned for the valley. But the most current BCTS mapping shows it is now planning five cutblocks in the valley, three of which are scheduled to be auctioned as a single sale between October 1 and December 31 of this year. BCTS estimates about 26,000 cubic metres of merchantable logs would be removed from those three blocks. BCTS had a road built into the valley in 2020, and more recent roadbuilding prompted formation of the Old Growth Revylution. The Revylution blockaders want the entire Argonaut Valley protected. Virginia Thompson, a member of Revylution, told FOCUS, “The blockade is also in support of the Fairy Creek action and for the implementation of the recommendations of the Old Growth Review Panel. That includes the panel’s recommendation to immediately defer all at-risk old-growth ecosystems while the recommendations for a paradigm shift in forestry can be implemented to save what little of old-growth ecosystems are left in BC. This does not mean the bogus deferrals which were made in September of 2020. It means real, meaningful deferrals. Otherwise the old growth will be gone by the time government finishes talking about it.” Old-growth cedar removed to build a logging road in the area (Photo by Eddie Petryshen) The blockade will also affect access to another block of old-growth forest just outside the valley that has already been sold by BCTS to Revelstoke’s Downie Timber. Wildsight’s Eddie Petryshen told FOCUS that the Downie block “is imminently threatened by logging.” In an email, Petryshen wrote, “This block, in my opinion, actually contains some of the highest value old growth of the remaining blocks as it’s valley bottom and contains very large cedars.” Revylution’s Thompson said the forest defenders had been in contact with a representative of Downie regarding the block. The Revylution has strong support of area First Nations, including the Okanagan, Splatsin (Secwepemcúl̓ecw) and Sinixt. Thompson told FOCUS that a ceremony held on July 11 at the blockade included representatives of each of these First Nations. In a press release issued before the ceremony, Splatsin Chief Wayne Christian noted: “We will be conducting a ceremony to protect the old-growth forest, but also to protect the public who have decided to block access to critical old-growth habitat for our relatives the Caribou.” At the ceremony, Christian called for members of his nation to come to the blockade. The Splatsin, Okanagan and Ktunaxa Nation all have forestry consultation and revenue sharing agreements with the ministry of forests. It is unknown which nation, or nations, the BC government is consulting regarding the Argonaut Valley. A view of the upper Argonaut Valley (Photo by Eddie Petryshen) This all creates an interesting situation for the ministry of forests. If the Revylution blockaders are as determined as the Fairy Creek blockaders, they will likely be able to block access to the Argonaut Valley. Facing that likelihood, what logging company would want the uncertainty, bad publicity and loss of reputation that would accompany a bid to cut the pristine valley’s forests? This is quite unlike the situation at Fairy Creek and the Caycuse Valley on southern Vancouver Island, where Teal Cedar Ltd, dependent on cutting old-growth forest to feed its Surrey mills, can’t easily walk away from its own TFL. If the Revylution blockade is successful at deterring a bid on the Argonaut Valley blocks, that strategy could be copied across BC wherever BCTS is planning to cut old-growth forest. BCTS sells the right to cut Crown-owned forest through competitive auction. It must publicize the blocks it plans to auction well before the auction date. It’s now possible for old-growth forest defenders to identify old forests at risk of being logged by BCTS, and then develop a plan to discourage bids on those blocks before they are sold. The ministry faces a new and serious challenge to its industry-friendly taxpayer-funded mismanagement of BC’s forests. To complicate matters, on July 13 a forest fire broke out high above Bigmouth Creek, about three kilometres upstream from the mouth of Argonaut Creek. It’s going to be a long, hot, ground-breaking summer. In his own response to the climate and biodiversity crises, David Broadland has narrowed his research and writing to the critically-endangered forests of BC. https://www.facebook.com/oldgrowthrevylution/
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Who we are The Rainforest Flying Squad is a volunteer driven, grassroots, non-violent direct action movement. We are committed to protecting the last stands of globally significant ancient temperate rainforest on Vancouver Island. What's at stake We are in a climate and biodiversity crisis. Only 2.7% of B.C.’s original productive old growth forests remain standing. B.C.’s Old Growth Strategic Review Panel urged an end to old growth logging yet the government continues to stall. Join the movement Direct action makes change. Visit our protection camps. Volunteer with us. Mobilize with your own community in support of ancient forests! Website Facebook
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Friends of Carmanah Walbran
Evergreen Alliance Staff posted a record in Forest Conservation Organizations
Friends of Carmanah Walbran recognize the Walbran Valley/Kaxi:ks as the traditional territory of the Pacheedaht First Nation. We are a grassroots, 100% volunteer run collective of individuals working to gain protection for these ancient forests and to work towards sustainable economic alternatives for local communities. Click to enlarge: Website Facebook
