March 1, 2016

In the spring of 2015, we learned of a logging company’s plan to cut out the heart of the Walbran Valley.  Located in the unceded territory of the Pacheedaht Nation, it’s one of the most ecologically important and beloved ancient forests in the country.

But when Teal Jones applied for logging permits in the area, the BC government approved them.

The Central Walbran seemed poised for destruction. By last fall, every time I drove out to the Walbran Valley, I was terrified that company helicopters might be crossing the river to begin logging in some of the most spectacular old-growth forest left on Vancouver Island.

Teal Jones and the provincial government tried to ignore the opposition of citizens, local governments and business councils.

But you didn’t let that stop you.

Over the past twelve months, thousands of you have participated in a concerted public campaign calling for the protection of the Central Walbran Valley. For many of you, this is a continuation of work that started decades ago and led to the protection of a part of this rare intact old-growth rainforest.

You joined rallies, attended town hall meetings, wrote letters, spent time in the Valley, participated in Walbran Wednesday phone blitzes and joined other creative actions. You refused to accept the silence of the BC government, and you called for legislated protection of the 486-hectare core Central Walbran Area (see map on the left) with a transition to only second-growth logging in the remainder of the Walbran Valley.

And your voices are being heard.

Teal Jones has engaged with environmental organizations, government and First Nations in an effort to resolve the mounting conflict in the Walbran. You’ve given them the clear message that the Walbran Valley is simply too precious to log.

The pressure you created has brought Teal Jones to the table. Your activism is working.

Thank you so much.

There’s absolutely no justification to cut down remaining tracts of old-growth rainforest. We need an end to old-growth logging on Vancouver Island, and the Central Walbran is the first step towards that.

Together, we’re moving towards making that first step a reality.

Here at the Wilderness Committee, we’re going to forgo this month’s Walbran Wednesday Phone Blitz to create space as we call on Teal Jones to enter a conversation and commit to a permanent end to logging in the 486-hectare core area of the Central Walbran Valley.

In the meantime, we will ramp up our activities to get people into the Walbran: this spring we’re launching a trail building program in the Walbran Valley in partnership with the Friends of Carmanah-Walbran. We’re also planning trips to get elected officials and members of the public and First Nations communities out to see this incredible forest firsthand.

Additionally, we’ll increase our public education and advocacy efforts, hosting public forums and other events to raise awareness on this issue.

Right now, it is more important than ever that you write to the BC government and ask them to reverse their lack of leadership on this issue and champion a solution that protects the Central Walbran in a way that works for the Pacheedaht Nation and other local communities.

Click here to write your letter now.

We’ll continue to keep you posted, and continue to ask for your help, every step of the way.

We’ve got the momentum, and together we’re going to save the Central Walbran Valley and the rest of Vancouver Island’s old-growth forests!

With so much gratitude,

Torrance Coste | Vancouver Island Campaigner