Located in Tla’amin First Nation territory, outside the town of Powell River, the Eldred Valley is legendary among rock climbers for its towering granite peaks while also supporting some of the last vestiges of old-growth forest in the region. These magnificent groves are home to monumental western redcedars and Douglas-firs and provide critical habitat for wildlife in the valley.
Industrial logging has been exploiting this region since the 19th century, clearing out entire valley bottoms and lower slopes. Targeting the last unprotected groves today demonstrates the extreme lengths that logging companies will go to. Local climbers and the qathet Old-Growth group have been advocating for the protection of the remaining old-growth forests, and the valley is becoming a renowned climbing destination, opening the door for ecotourism.
Most recently, the BC government has identified a number of at-risk ancient groves in the Eldred Valley for potential logging deferrals, including some of the forest pictured here. Significant funding for First Nations to help offset lost logging revenues when accepting deferrals in their territories is now urgently needed.
Considering Powell River has been largely dependent economically on logging for over 100 years, the BC government also needs to swiftly provide the resources to help communities transition away from the unsustainable logging of endangered old-growth to a more sustainable, value-added second-growth forest industry instead.
Be sure to watch our Powell River Community Spotlight video featuring interviews with local First Nations, activists, and recreationists.
Take action by sending an instant message to protect old-growth forests.
