Giant, old trees really capture people’s attention.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Walbran Convergence 2018.
Some of the most intense political action in British Columbia’s history has been fuelled by the desire to protect old growth and big, majestic trees. Despite having little depth on this history, the memories of Meares and Moresby Islands are part of my DNA.
Forestry practices in British Columbia are no less contentious today than they were in the past. Despite the fact that most of the giant trees on Vancouver Island have already been logged, the provincial government and forestry industry continues to push to cut it all.
Thousands of emails and phone calls!
During my brief tenure as an MLA, my office has received more phone calls and emails about logging old growth than any issue. In fact, no other issue is even close. Literally, thousands of people have contacted me demanding the province change its approach.
As a member of the BC Green Caucus, I am the critic and spokesperson on forestry. As one of the provinces founding industries, it is an overwhelming file. I am often contacted by people with decades of experience on the issue. I plead their patience with me.
The liquidation continues
Reconnecting with Gary Fiege, newly minted President of the Public and Private Workers of Canada.
But, when I hear that BC Timber Sales, the provincial agency “that manages about 20% of the province’s allowable annual cut for Crown timber” is allowing some of the biggest remaining trees to be cut in the Nahmint Valley, it is clear, it is business-as-usual is B.C.’s forests.
I visited the Walbran Valley this past weekend by the invitation of the Wilderness Committee and Friends of the Carmanah Walbran for the annual Walbran Convergence.
Standing in solidarity with the ancient giants
Many of the speakers talked about standing in solidarity with each other.
My message was slightly different. We stand in solidarity with each other but also our relatives, the ancient forest giants. Our relationship with the world around us is broken. It must change.
Yes, trees are fibre, valuable fibre that create jobs and wealth for the province and industry shareholders. But, trees also create the air that we breathe and clean the water we drink.
I was wonderful to hear the message from Gary Fiege, President of the Public and Private Workers of Canada. He clearly spoke to the message that finding a balance is so important for industry, the workers, the environment and for the future.
The status quo is not good enough!
It’s valuable to take the time to drive out and stand amongst the thousand year old cedars and firs. It puts it all into perspective.
From what I have seen so far in my brief time in office, we have to take a good long look at our ourselves and our policy. We have to get the political will to make the changes that we all know must be made, rather than just falling victim to doing it just as it always has been done.
Adam, please push for a simple amendment to include this amazing part of Kaxi:ks you visited this past weekend within the boundaries Carmanah Walbran provincial park. It is an absolute no-brainer and will win the support of many of our constituents. It is incomprehensible as to why an NDP Green coalition has not moved to protect this tract of one of the last remaining old growth on the island.
If this cannot or won’t be done, we deserve some sort of explanation. I have yet to receive a response to this request made previously. Adam, we know you will do the right thing beyond platitudes and blog posts. We believe in you! The time to act on this is now, before it is too late.
Thank you for your post.
Firstly, the BC Greens are not in a coalition with the BC NDP. We have signed a Confidence and Supply Agreement which outlines the conditions of our partnerships based on “good faith and no surprises” to provide confidence in government.
As you may know I have been quite vocal about the need for old-growth protection both in public and with government. We will continue to push this forward with them.
I don’t believe that adding the area to the Carmanah/Walbran Provincial Park is a “no-brainer” as you have suggested. It is critically important to work with the Pacheedaht in this area and it would have to be in coordination with them that this would go forward.
This particular issue is more complex than you have suggested, while protecting the remaining old-growth has to become a priority of this BC NDP government.
Thank you for your message.
Adam