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Drone video captures epic climb up Canada’s second-largest Douglas-fir

Aug 11 2016/in News Coverage

Tree climbing might just be a fun past-time for adventurous children, but for these British Columbians, their passion for old-growth forests has taken them to new heights.

A drone video shot in Port Renfrew on Vancouver Island captured the risky ascent three tree climbers made up the second largest known Douglas-fir tree in Canada.

But the climb wasn’t just for fun. For Matthew Beatty, Aaron Kinvig, and Elliot Wright of the Arboreal Collective, it was part of their work to document and protect the still-standing old-growth forests of B.C.

“Drones not only allow us to get spectacular footage of our ancient forests to help raise public awareness, but they enable us to see what’s going on with remote logging operations that are normally out of the public spotlight due to barriers imposed by the mountains and rugged terrain,” said TJ Watt, a photographer and campaigner for the Ancient Forest Alliance.

The tree, aptly named ‘Big Lonely Doug’ for its position in the middle of a clear cut area, is 66 metres in height and 3.8 metres in diameter. It was one of three old-growth trees left behind after the forest surrounding them was cut down in 2012.

It is now used as an anchor for large steel cables to carry the rest of the fallen logs through the area. The Ancient Forest Alliance says this has damaged some of the tree’s bark.

Because of trees like Big Lonely Doug, the Ancient Forest Alliance says Port Renfrew has become a tourist destination, bringing thousands from around the world to visit some of Canada’s largest trees. Other notable timbers in the area include the world’s largest Douglas-fir, the Red Creek Fir, Canada’s former largest Sitka spruce tree, and the Harris Creek spruce.

The trees are just a few kilometres from the protected Avatar Grove and the West Coast Trail.

See VIDEO and read more at: https://globalnews.ca/news/2877958/drone-video-captures-epic-climb-up-canadas-second-largest-douglas-fir/

Calgary Slideshow: Exploring and Protecting the Old-Growth Forests of Coastal BC (Aug.22)

Aug 10 2016/in Announcements

If you're in Calgary, come out on Aug 22 to see a spectacular and informative slideshow by the Ancient Forest Alliance's executive director Ken Wu at the Patagonia store (downtown Calgary at Stephen Avenue) about “Exploring and Protecting the Old-Growth Forests of Coastal BC”. https://www.facebook.com/events/1058597564218224/

Rare cougar sighting in endangered forest on Vancouver Island

Aug 5 2016/in News Coverage

A conservation photographer has captured a rare photo and video of cougars in the Walbran Valley.

According to a B.C. organization that works to protect endangered forests, cougars on the island tend to avoid clear cut areas.

The Ancient Forest Alliance photographer documented the two cougars, likely a mother with her juvenile offspring, from his car.

“I’ve spent over a decade exploring the old-growth forests of Vancouver Island several times a week, and I grew up here, but I never saw a cougar until this past weekend,” TJ Watt said.

In the brief sighting the large cougar casually bounded across the road and paused momentarily, which is when Watt captured the photo.

The video, which was captured moments later, shows the smaller cougar meandering on the road.

Watt said seeing the carnivores was a “dream come true.”

According to the alliance, old-growth forests provide cover for cougars and wintering habitats for their main prey, black-tailed deer.

It’s estimated that there are between 300 and 800 cougars on Vancouver Island, the alliance says.

The Walbran and adjacent Carmanah Valley’s forests are also home to wolves, black bears, Roosevelt elk, spawning coho, steelhead in the river and marbled murrelet.

You can watch the video of the cougar here: https://ctv.news/qz16JuQ

Western Toad

Mar 17 2026

Learn all about the western toad, a widespread and adaptable inhabitant of diverse ecosystems across BC, including the coastal rainforests!

Creature Feature

CBC: Panel Appointed to Map B.C.’s Old-Growth Forests Say Province Is Failing to Save Them

Mar 16 2026

Every member of a former panel the BC government appointed to identify old-growth for potential protection in 2021 now says they're concerned about continued logging in those same rare and "irreplaceable" forests.

Announcements

NOW HIRING: Forest Campaigner

Mar 3 2026

The Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA) is hiring a passionate Forest Campaigner to join our team and help protect old-growth forests in BC!

Employment

It’s AFA’s 16th Birthday!

Feb 26 2026

On Tuesday, February 24th, we’re celebrating 16 years of working together with you, our community, to ensure the permanent protection of old-growth forests in BC. To mark the date, will you chip in $16 or more to support our work?

Announcements