Press Release - For immediate release

Cathedral Grove protest moves to Island Timberlands Northwest Bay Nanoose office today at 11:00 am

Qualicum Beach, British Columbia - Yesterdays successful protest rally in Cathedral Grove saw over 40 participants joined by visitors from Germany, Australia, Ontario, Spain, England, Manitoba and New Brunswick asking for a stop to the logging in Cathedral Grove.

Community organizations, along with MLA Scott Fraser and local government representatives were present to ask that the entire Grove, an officially designated Community Drinking watershed, be protected.

"Todays protest rally in front of Island Timberlands Northwest Bay Division Office in Nanoose will highlight many of the excellent comments that were voiced by yesterdays speakers," comments Annette Tanner, Wilderness Committee Mid-Island campaigner and coordinator of the event.

One speaker noted that the Alberni Valley Tourism pamphlet encouraging tourists to discover the Seven Wonders of the Alberni Valley listed Cathedral Grove as the No.1 wonder and that it will "take your breath away." The speaker also pointed out that the people of Port Alberni are increasingly dependent on eco-tourism for their livelihoods and want the remaining trees in the Grove protected.

"The need to preserve the last remnant of old-growth giants outside the southern boundary of the Park, was identified by BC Parks MacMillan Park Management Plan," Tanner continues. "The Park Management plan states that communication and planning with the adjacent Landowners, which are now Island Timberlands is critical in avoiding a repeat of the devastating blowdown event in 1997."

"Another speaker acknowledged the financial and moral support that raised $9 million for the restoration of Stanley Park should indicate how every measure must be taken now to ensure that all of Cathedral Grove will be protected for future generations," Tanner concludes.

-30-

For more information contact Annette Tanner, (250) 752-6585, cell (250) 240-7470