Petition to protect Old Growth Cedar in the Duncan River Area

Local activists are working to help save endangered old-growth redcedar trees in the Duncan River area near Kaslo, BC.

Sign the petition here: www.change.org/en-CA/petitions/bc-timber-sales-stop-cutting-old-growth-cedar-in-the-duncan-river-area

“Located 58 km from the nearest highway, stands a grove of just under a 1000 trees. The last of the  old growth cedars left up the “Duncan”. Situated between the Duncan River and a beautiful, lively swamp, these trees provide an essential corridor for the lives that now depend on them. From beavers to bears (see den in picture above), these trees are home to some of the hardiest animals around. They provide winter shelter for everything from weasels, to owls, & ungulets. Cougars, wolves & grizzlies use it to travel. Kokanee fish spawn in channels protected by the trees where eagles perch to hunt. Rare lichens, mushrooms and flowers grow here.

     With many of the trees in this grove being in B.C.'s top 10% (for size), of course B.C. Timber Sales (BCTS) contractors want to cut it. We have seen what taking these trees will do to the life left behind: Silt released into waterways clogs spawning channels, waste logs are left to fuel the next forest fire, organisms (moss, lichens, rodents, insects, plants, etc.) lose what no amount of silviculture can replace. They call this a decadent forest, because the trees are very old (200 years + ), usually with hollow hearts (which are not very marketable). Standing, this decadent forest provides shade, a carbon sink, and irreplacable homes for millions of organisms.”