Is this good news?
- Details
- Published on Sunday, 29 November -0001 16:00
- Written by editor
Friends, On Tuesday, the ministry of forests announced that the province is seeking to defer logging across 2,600,000 ha of old growth forest.
This sounds like good news. BUT - it only represents half of the five million hectares of at-risk old growth in BC. The Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs called for unilateral deferrals across ALL old growth logging in the province—this announcement falls far short.
As nations meet at COP26, John Horgan's government has announced plans to start a process of consultations in an effort to put in place temporary protections on some at risk areas.
This is talk and log.
While this announcement is a major step in the right direction, it won't be enough until we see the rate of old growth logging actually slow down.
There are still thousand-year-old trees on the chopping block, and we're losing ancient forest every day in areas like Granite Creek. This announcement does not curb large-scale clearcutting of old growth, it just displaces it to other sections of forest.
This is no time for half measures—we are in the midst of a climate and ecological emergency. We urgently need to conserve ALL old growth forests and we need to do it NOW. To learn more about BC's new old-growth announcement, join this webinar tonight with Wilderness Committee campaign director Torrance Coste, who will break down their assessment of this announcement, detail where it falls short, outline opportunities to push for better, and answer your questions.
HOW YOU CAN HELP#1: Join us at camp. It's cold and rainy, but our spirits are strong. We need more numbers to defend what we can—active logging is happening around Heli camp and we're losing big trees every day. If you can clear your schedule and join us in the woods, please do - you'll meet a new family and feel a strong sense of purpose during an unsteady time.
#2: DONATE. On November 15 we're back in court fighting Teal Cedar over the injunction. If we can win this and DEFEAT THE INJUNCTION once and for all, we'll be setting a huge precedent for land defenders everywhere. Please support our legal defense fund.
#3: Keep making calls. Tell the Premier that we need a moratorium on ALL old growth logging, NOW.
October 27: Pacheedaht Elder Bill Jones and visiting Indigenous leaders guide forest protector allies towards Salmon Camp for a pipe ceremony.
From the left: Chief Sonny Wallas from Quatsino First Nation, Pacheedaht Elder Bill Jones, Kuu'Laay ("Boss of the Boat") aka Charlotte Jones of Haida First Nation, and Grand Elder Raymond Robinson of Cross Lake First Nation (MB).
Upcoming Events
Nov. 5, Friday, 3 - 5pm, Forest Friday, RCMP Building, Topaz+Blanshard (street address is 2881 Nanaimo St.). Signs available.
Nov 6, Saturday, Family Day at Ada'itsx/Fairy Creek, a day of solidarity involving songs and words from elders and — if possible — a trip into ancient Eden Grove. Organized by Elders for Ancient Forests and Parents 4 Climate Bring your children and grandchildren!
Nov 6, Saturday, 11am, Global Day for Climate Justice, Centennial Square. Organized by Climate Justice Victoria.
In the News
Nov 3, Briarpatch, Real climate action means defunding the police
Nov 2, BBC News, World leaders promise to end deforestation by 2030
Nov 2, CBC Radio's The Current with Matt Galloway: interview with Suzanne Simard on the secret societies of trees, Fairy Creek, and the moral obligation to protect old-growth forests.
Nov 1, Capital Daily, INVESTIGATION: RCMP misled public about pepper spray incident at Fairy Creek OR here, if you’d rather listen.
Oct 29, The Tyee, A New Bill Could Put BC ‘Back in the Driver’s Seat’ for Forestry (A comprehensive overview of the new NDP forestry legislation by Zoe Zunker)
Oct 28, CBC News, Canada is underestimating carbon emissions from forestry sector, environmental groups allege
Oct 28, Open letter from the BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI), signed by 275 forestry/labour leaders, putting forth the argument to continue old-growth logging
Oct 28, CBC Radio interview with COFI CEO Susan Yurkovich backing up the COFI open letter
Oct 27, Camilo Ruiz (independent photojournalist covering protests and politics in southwestern BC): Sergeant at Fairy Creek Blockade Found to Have History of Disrespect, Mistreatment of Indigenous Peoples, Documents Show:
Oct 26, Times Colonist, Disappearance of Smiley
Oct 25, Sierra Club BC reacts to BC Government ‘Roadmap to 2030’ Clean BC Announcement:
Oct 22, Global News, Conservationists press B.C. government on old-growth logging ahead of COP26 climate summit
Oct 20, The Walrus, Can the RCMP be Saved? This is all about the RCMP, not old-growth logging, but it is a very well researched piece with strong historical context.
Oct 20, Hakai Magazine, Salmon Need Trees An interesting article on impacts of logging on salmon.
July 21, Ecojustice, citizen complaint calling for an investigation into the Canadian Standards Association Sustainable Forest Management Standards. Old news but important, calling out how buyers of forest products are misled. CSA/SFM certifies and promotes wood products from logging operations – including in BC’s old-growth forests – as sustainable. Be careful what you buy!
About Us
Last Stand For Forests is a volunteer driven, grassroots direct-action campaign to protect the last stands globally significant ancient temperate rainforest in British Columbia. We stand in solidarity with Elder Bill Jones of the Pacheedaht Nation. This movement is also grateful for the guidance and support of future Hereditary Chief of Pacheedaht and Ditidaht, Victor Peter, and Pacheedaht band member Whale Tail Jones. We hold our hands up to the many Chiefs and Elders from other territories and Nations who have visited and shown support and solidarity.
More information at laststandforforests.com.
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