MP Martin Continues Push To Expand Park

A federal Liberal member of Parliament is continuing his drive to expand the boundaries of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

Dr. Keith Martin, MP for Esquimalt – Juan de Fuca, toured a section of old-growth forest and some clear cuts near Port Renfrew last week with members of the Ancient Forest Alliance.

“These trees are some of the oldest living creatures on our planet,” said Martin, in a press release. “Cutting them down provides a short term benefit and a much larger long term loss.”

Martin also called for an end to old-growth logging in the Gordon River Valley, Upper Walbran and surrounding areas.

In the fall of 2009, Martin proposed expanding the park’s boundaries.

The park currently covers three sections: the Long Beach Unit, the Broken Group Islands Unit and the West Coast Trail Unit.

The Ancient Forest Alliance is a Victoria-based environmental organization dedicated to protecting old-growth forests.