Giant cedar
Court Saves Meares- Until November- Hopes Soar for Tribal Park
A three to two decision by the Appeals Court of B.C. has delayed the possibility Of logging on Meares Island until after the Native Land Claims trial, set for November 4, 1985. On June 25 the Supreme court of Canada heard preliminary arguments on yet. Another appeal by MacMillan Bloedel and the B.C. Government, deferred its decision on whether or not to go ahead and review the B.C. Appeals Court ruling.
The 8,000 ha Meares. Island stands as a green oasis in a growing desert of clear cuts. In the heart of Clayoquot Sound, Meares is 98% untouched by man. It remains virtually in the same "virgin" state it was when the first Europeans set their eyes upon it.
Several decades ago, MacMillan Bloedel bought the eighty-year-old logging rights on Meares. But perhaps because of the island's sensitive location directly adjacent to Tofino, the most picturesque village on the Canadian Pacific, they deferred logging.
In 1980 "looming lumber shortages" prompted the company decision to "get on with" the logging of Meares.
Forceful opposition to the imminent logging started with a few local residents. It has grown steadily to become a national and international outcry.
Meares Island Tribal Park
Strong passions fuel the confrontations over the fate of Meares Island. For some Tofino residents at issue is the sanctity of their fresh water supply, all of which comes from Meares, and the sea resources which provide them with an income. For others it's the view from their village - the magic of Meares dominating the skyline. For environmentalists Meares' importance rests on the unbroken chain of thousand year growth cycles, each unique thousand-year-old tree harbouring the secret of longevity, storing the mother lode of genetic diversity that "has the answers and questions yet unasked by mankind." For the Clayoquot Indians Meares is their sacred home and way of life. For MacMillan Bloedel at issue is not only their right to log on Meares, but the legitimacy of their right to log other places where the aboriginal ownership has not been extinguished by lawful treaty. (And, underneath it all, the legitimacy of their logging practices which are eroding the landbase, forest resource and salmon streams.)
So far no one has been arrested protecting Meares, but the battle has cost millions of dollars. During the confrontations last winter, when people occupied the woods which MB was preparing to log, helicopters buzzed the skies over Meares and a dozen lawyers debated in the courtroom at injunction hearings.
The loggers for MacMillan Bloedel boast that the company has already spent nearly three million dollars to "protect their rights to Meares," and will spend whatever it takes to win, even if it costs more than the trees are worth.
The Indians and, environmentalists, have spent an estimate of $100,000 to save Meares. Donations from concerned citizens continue to pour in.
They are equally determined to win.
