BC NDP’s “talk-and-log” approach destroys non-renewable ancient forests and drives conflict in Walbran Valley

VICTORIA/UNCEDED lək̓ʷəŋən TERRITORIES — In response to arrests this week at blockades in the Walbran Valley, the Wilderness Committee is placing responsibility for all conflict in the woods squarely with the B.C. government’s destructive and disingenuous “talk-and-log” approach to forest policy, which undermines Indigenous sovereignty and puts ancient ecosystems at risk.

The organization further calls on the province to fund Indigenous land governance planning, with emergency interim protections for at-risk ecosystems, along with a just transition away from old-growth logging.

“People only turn to blockading when every other avenue is exhausted or ignored,” said Forest Campaigner Tobyn Neame.

“When the BC NDP permits clearcutting in forests it’s promised to protect, it creates the conditions for conflict. It’s a mess for the communities and First Nations that pay the price, and it’s the fault of the politicians who made commitments and then refused to honor them,” they added.

The Walbran Valley contains some of the last intact stands of ancient forest on Vancouver Island. Despite years of public outcry, expert reports calling for immediate deferrals of logging in at-risk old-growth forests, and promises from the BC NDP government for a paradigm shift, the province continues to issue logging permits, all while touting its commitments to reconciliation and conservation. The Wilderness Committee has criticized the province for avoiding accountability and withholding adequate funding for conservation.

“The BC NDP government has made big promises, continued status quo logging and let communities and First Nations get caught in the conflicts,” said Neame. “The result is predictable: public anger over broken promises, conflict, arrests, erosion of trust in forest management and the continued destruction of non-renewable forests.”

The Wilderness Committee is not involved in the blockades, and respects the sovereignty and decision-making authority of the Pacheedaht First Nation and all Indigenous Rights and title holders. The organization insists it is the responsibility of the provincial government to deliver on its policy commitment to protect old-growth forests.

For more information, please contact:

Tobyn Neame | Forest Campaigner
403-461-5151, tobyn@wildernesscommittee.org