In the summer of 2021, Ancient Forest Alliance explored the stunning old-growth forests along the shores of Vernon Bay in Barkley Sound in Uchucklesaht and Tseshaht First Nations territory. Here, we measured monumental redcedar trees up to 12 feet (3.7 metres) in diameter amongst lush ferns and berry bushes. A large number of Culturally Modified Trees were also noted.
Despite the area’s significance, the BC government granted Interfor approval for 33 logging cutblocks covering some 55 hectares of rare, intact ancient forests. Tragically, these were later logged despite some stands being identified by the province as recommended priority deferral areas. This underscores the dire need for deferral or “solutions space” funding from the BC government to help First Nations offset the lost logging revenues when asked to defer logging in their territories.
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