News Release - August 7, 2014

Old-growth logging threatens water quality and endangered species

PORT ALBERNI – Citizens from across the Alberni Valley and beyond will rally outside Port Alberni City Hall today, in response to ongoing clearcut logging in local old-growth forests by Island Timberlands Ltd.

Valley residents, First Nations members and environmentalists are deeply concerned about the destruction of ancient forests and the subsequent impacts to drinking water and endangered species.

China Creek sits below McLaughlin Ridge – an area with significant stands of ancient Douglas-fir and hemlock. This forest type in an old-growth state is exceptionally rare, and is important in terms of water quality, endangered species habitat, recreational value and carbon sequestration. Despite the importance of this forest, Island Timberlands is clearcutting at an alarming rate, and the complete liquidation of the old-growth is a real possibility.

“Water is a basic human right, and I am gravely concerned about the negative long-term impacts that logging in and above China Creek watershed will have on First Nations and all people with whom we share the Valley,” said Judith Sayers, a member and former Chief councilor of Hupacasath First Nation and a scheduled speaker at today’s rally. “We must be vigilant to assert our human right to clean water over corporate profit.”

In 2004, the BC government removed more than 70,000 hectares of private land from TFL 44, essentially transferring all oversight of these lands to industry. The move shocked citizens and First Nations, who were not consulted about the changes.

Island Timberlands has been criticized for clearcutting rare old-growth forests elsewhere on the coast. McLaughlin Ridge – which features monumental Douglas-firs and provides winter habitat for endangered ungulate species and nesting sites for the Queen Charlotte goshawk – is no exception.

Torrance Coste, Vancouver Island Campaigner with the Wilderness Committee and another speaker at the rally, toured the new cutblocks a few weeks ago and was appalled at what he saw.

“The significance of this forest can’t be understated – there simply isn’t enough of this ecosystem left to be destroying it like this,” said Coste.

Activists say old-growth forests are more valuable left standing for a variety of reasons, such as ensuring water quality and absorbing and storing carbon, which is crucial in combatting climate change.

“Clearcutting old-growth in 2014 is reckless and irresponsible. The fact that Island Timberlands is jeopardizing water quality, wildlife habitat, a potential tourism resource and our ability to deal with climate change is really frustrating,” Coste said.

Paul Manly, a Vancouver Island filmmaker who will also speak at today’s rally, sees corporate control of watersheds as a theme on Vancouver Island.

"Most people on the Island take their drinking water for granted, and have no idea that their watersheds are on private land and that forest companies can clearcut them as they please. It’s time for proper protection of community watersheds in British Columbia and community ownership wherever possible,” said Manly.

Today’s rally is being organized by Citizens For a Local Economy, and is supported by organizations like the Wilderness Committee.

Date:               Thursday, August 7th, 2014
Time:               11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location:         Sidewalk in front of Port Alberni City Hall, 4850 Argyle St, Port Alberni, BC

– 30 –

For more information, please contact:

Torrance Coste, Vancouver Island Campaigner, Wilderness Committee – (250) 516-9900

Ellen Chambers, Citizens for a Local Economy – (250) 724-0006

Photographs are available upon request.

Top photo: Torrance Coste walks through a recent old-growth clearcut at McLaughlin Ridge.