BC’s battlefields of the “War in the Forest” are to be permanently protected

VICTORIA — Forests that were the scene of disputes over environmental issues and indigenous rights resulting from clear-cutting during British Columbia’s “war for the forests” in the 1980s and 1990s are to be permanently protected.

The government of British Columbia says an agreement with two Vancouver Island First Nations will protect around 760 square kilometres of Crown land in Clayoquot Sound. Ten new protected areas will be established in areas with pristine forests and unique ecosystems.

According to Forestry Minister Bruce Ralston, the partnership includes a redesign of tree cultivation licences in the Clayoquot Sound area to protect native tree zones while supporting other First Nations forestry rights in the region.

Statements from the Ahoushat and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations of Clayoquot Sound said the reserves would protect native forests on Meares Island and in the Kennedy Lake area, where protests have occurred and led to hundreds of arrests.

Tyson Atleo, the indigenous representative of the Ahousaht First Nation, says the establishment of the new protected areas will be celebrated, but the First Nation will now ask government, industry and the public for support for the Ahousaht’s future management of the area.

The environmental organization Nature United said in a statement that it has pledged more than $40 million to support the efforts of the two First Nations in Clayoquot Sound, including compensating the forest leaseholder and funding two foundations to manage Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht conservation areas.

The protection regulations come into force on June 26.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 18, 2024.

The Canadian Press