In May 2019, the Ancient Forest Alliance visited the village of Tahsis on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island in Mowachaht/Muchalaht territory to explore the McKelvie Valley, the last intact watershed in the Tahsis region. AFA’s TJ Watt and Rachel Ablack were joined by Mayor Martin Davis and local mountaineer Ramsay Dyer as they explored the surrounding old-growth forests.
The McKelvie watershed is a spectacular ancient forest “hotspot” of high conservation, recreational, scenic, and cultural value. It features rare, endangered ancient forests, rich wildlife habitat, and McKelvie Creek, a salmon spawning ground and the community’s source of drinking water. Western Forest Products had previously planned to blast a road into the heart of the valley and to carry out upwards of 25 clearcuts in its pristine old-growth forests. However, the valley is now planned for protection through the incredible Salmon Parks Initiative brought forth by Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation!
This positive progress is also thanks to the years of advocacy work from the community of Tahsis, our work to raise awareness about this special place, and the thousands of people who sent letters to decision-makers. Thank you!
Be sure to watch our 2019 Community Spotlight video on Tahsis to learn more.
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