Elders for Ancient Forests May 2023

And while the news is so often disheartening—we don’t need to go through the litany—we try to keep ourselves grounded. Taking time to evoke and feel our love for our plant and animal kin. Noticing the changes each day. Experiencing the rhythms of life that have been guiding us from the very beginnings. Stepping into a larger sense of time—seasons arriving with their life-giving changes, their particular beauties, seasons passing on. We are reminded by our great Earth home that she is infinitely creative, so much more powerful than we humans, resilient beyond our imagining.

This deep connection to the rhythms of life can give us inspiration and courage, helping us to acknowledge our responsibility for the harm that is being done, supporting our efforts to contribute to the healing of our world.

And while we would hope to say otherwise, the logging of ancient forests continues at a heartbreaking rate. As we go to press, we learn that in BC Supreme Court Judge Elliott Myers rejected the Nuchatlaht aboriginal land claim on Nootka Island, allowing Western Forest Products Inc., co-defendant in this case along with BC and Canada, to continue to log without the consent of the Nuchatlaht. At the same time, the British paper The Guardian has just published heartbreaking photos taken by Ancient Forest Alliance photographer TJ Watts, on a very recent trip to Quatsino Sound, where hundreds of huge ancient trees were logged.

Read more on both these stories in In the News. Our summary of government and logging industry developments is shared in What’s Changed in the Forests.

All of which reminds us that we can’t let up. September 11 is the 3rd anniversary of the release of the Old Growth Strategic Review, A New Future for Old Forests, and the promise by then premier John Horgan that the government would implement all its recommendations within three years.

Time to Plan More Action! Get ready for province-wide action on the 3rd anniversary of the Old Growth Strategic Review.

The February 25 Declaration and Rally for Old Growth Forests showed us what we can accomplish when we band with other organizations to expand our outreach and resources. We’re determined to follow this up with more joint action.

Details aren’t all in place yet, but the general shape of our plan is to:

• work with Wilderness Committee and Sierra Club BC to present a webinar on May 29, 7-8:30 pm, to update us on what’s really happening with BC’s old-growth forests. There’s confusion; we will attempt to bring clarity. We’ll send an update later on how to register, etc. As well as encouraging all our members to come, we will invite the 228 groups that signed the Declaration and ask them to invite their members. PLEASE SAVE THE DATE: May 29.
• organize In August and early September a major old-growth action at MLA offices throughout the province to mark the 3rd anniversary of the launch of the Old Growth Strategy Review recommendations, which were meant to be met within three years.

So, as the warmth of the sun calls us outside to enjoy the nature around us, we’re hoping all of you will feel motivated to keep doing what you can, be it large or small, to protect our Earth, our home.

Yours,
Jackie, Susan & Bill

Actions

Pressure the BC government to match federal funds
For years, the federal offer of $50 million in funding for the Old Growth Nature Fund has languished, waiting for matching funds from the BC government. Now a Liberal MP, Patrick Weiler, has submitted a private member’s bill that would up the amount to $82 million, contingent on matching BC funds.

Will the BC government respond? If we all phone and write our MLAs and the ministers responsible, we can help push this along! Read more below in: Patrick Weiler Stands up for Ancient Forests in BC.

******

Start Organizing for September Action
Attend the Old Growth Forests: Fact & Fiction webinar on May 29 to get updated on what’s really going on in the forests—details below in Upcoming Events. This will give you ammunition to spend a bit of the summer hassling your MLA and the relevant ministers for some positive action to protect old growth. Then, in September, prepare for a major province-wide action.

******

What’s Changed in the Forests? “Unduly Slow”

We all know that old-growth forests are one of our best allies in tackling the climate crisis— sequestering vast amounts of carbon; supporting biodiversity, including vital habitat for species-at-risk; promoting resilience to floods, droughts, fires and erosion; and, potentially, providing sustainable economies for Indigenous and settler communities across rural BC.

So we were encouraged just before our Feb 25 Rally—and Neil Young mini-concert—when Premier Eby declared, “After decades of short-term and transactional thinking we’re making significant changes in our approach to forestry in this province.” In response, COFI (Council of Forest Industries) CEO Linda Coady declared that “COFI will continue to work with government, Indigenous organizations, communities, labour and others to implement the measures announced today and deliver the benefits that sustainable forestry and renewable products can create for people and the planet.” Yeah!

Elders for Ancient Trees, our environmental-organization partners, and indeed most British Columbians, welcomed the province’s stated intentions to transition BC’s forest sector away from the job-killing, industry-led model to one that better prioritizes First Nations, ecosystems and communities.

But, as we have been saying for many years: TIME IS RUNNING OUT! Our precious ancient trees are still being logged, with more than half of the remaining most at-risk old-growth forests in B.C. still on the chopping block.

At the April annual COFI conference, Premier David Eby gave a keynote speech at the sold-out Prince George Civic Centre to close the gathering. Demonstrating the delicate balancing act the government is trying to achieve, he declared: “Our forests are so clearly who we are as a province. It is over 60% of our land base, and about 50,000 jobs that are directly dependent on our forests.” Eby went on to tell the media: “The vital message I have heard from the sector is predictability. Our goal as a government is to help deliver that.”

He reassured Prince George and northern BC that forestry will remain a “foundational industry” in the province moving forward, despite this “time of transition. “I don’t see a solution to climate change that doesn’t include wood products,” he said, “I don’t see a solution to some of the big challenges we face economically around rural community economic stability that doesn’t include the forest industry.”

Clearly,  the Premier is expected to be sensitive when speaking to a community which has experienced four mill closures already, due to lack of fibre and a broken business model. But when the patient, our vital, beloved old-growth, is on the brink of extinction—when successive BC governments have been encouraging low value-added domestic-supply-depleting exports such as logs and wood pellets; when we don’t even count BC’s huge forest-based GHG emissions caused by our poor forest resource management; when we continue to miss our GHG reduction pledges by miles in the midst of a climate emergency already inflicting multi-billion dollar flood and fire disasters on towns like Lytton, Abbotsford and Merritt with many more certain to come; when our Supernatural BC reputation looks increasingly in tatters to throngs of tourists visiting BC (served by over 16,000 businesses across the province and generating around $14 billion in revenues)—we must continue to hold the government to account.

Under Actions in this Callout, you will see a number of great opportunities to make your voices heard and apply the kind of pressure that governments ignore at their peril. May the forest be with you.

And an alarming addendum: In the March 3 edition of Canadian Dimension, Nick Gottlieb explains how BC’s logging industry is using mill closures as a political tool in its fight against regulation. Closure announcements are a core component of a political strategy by logging companies designed to influence the government’s future decisions.

What’s up Up-Island?

On April 8, Lemaire logging company, a subcontractor Western Forest Products, removed road-building equipment from the site of a potential blockade led by a highly respected hereditary Chief of the Kwagiulth nation, Dave Mungo Knox.

Leading up to this, Kwagiulth community members had carried out ceremony, openly declared their intentions to assert their title and authority to directly defend their land and had begun constructing infrastructure along the road into the Sagwas old-growth forest.

So far, things remain quiet. But supporters are asked to stand by if further action is necessary.

******

What’s Up in the Courts?

Following up with Fairy Creek Land Defenders

Dropped cases
In early February, land defender Ryan Henderson was acquitted of charges because the RCMP, before the arrest, had read a shortened version of the injunction order rather than the entire document. Thanks to this RCMP shortcut, 85 more cases have been dropped so far. There are three more weeks of cases scheduled (May 15, 29 and Jun 5), when it’s expected that an additional 70 cases will be dropped.

About 16 cases will proceed despite the Henderson decision, including the case of Rainbow Eyes in the week of June 5, to be tried by the Chief Justice of BC, Robert Bauman.

******

Abuse of process trials
In September, we can expect more trials, these ones based on abuse of process. In November 2022, 121 Fairy Creek arrestees applied for a joint hearing to drop charges against them on the basis that the RCMP had acted illegally in their brutal round-up of arrestees. The judge denied the application for a joint trial, but three defendants are pushing forward with individual cases. Stay tuned for more on this!

******

Unlawful arrest suits
There are various other outstanding cases. Three people are claiming unlawful arrest. Others are taking a stand against the way their cars were illegally towed. These cases are slowly making their way through courts.

******

Class-action lawsuit
Two BC law firms specializing in class actions have filed a class-action lawsuit on behalf of protesters caught up in RCMP exclusion zones at ‘Ada’itxs/Fairy Creek and subjected to the infamous catch-and-release process. This is a civil case, claiming damages. It will be a large one—up to 1,000 people. Rani Earnhart, legal support person for the Rainforest Flying Squad, says that these big class-action cases move slowly, sometimes taking years, so we don’t expect any immediate results.

******

Teal Cedar civil suit
Teal Cedar is seeking legal action against 14 individuals and one private-sector business. In addition to original defendants Elder Bill Jones, Kathy Code and Carole Tootill, more Fairy Creek respondents have been added, including Saul Arbess, and Rani Earnhart—pretty well anyone who has signed their name on any legal action involving ‘Ada’itxs/Fairy Creek.

So far, seven of  the 15 have been served, with Teal Cedar looking to try other legal methods to serve everyone. They intend to apply for a permanent injunction and are also laying claims of conspiracy against all those named, seeking unspecified damages. (Does this sound like a SLAPP suit to you??)

******

Logging Deferral to end in ‘Ada’itxs in June!
The logging deferral on the ‘Ada’itxs/Fairy Creek watershed expires in June. Teal Jones has built roads and is poised to log a number of the sections that land defenders fought so hard to protect. Also, Teal-Jones’s current injunction expires Sep 23. They will apply to renew again.

Expect more action in the forests and in the courts. We will try to keep you posted.

******

Save Old Growth court cases
On May 1, Save Old Growth protesters Howard Breen and Melanie Joy Murray were in court attempting to have the charges against them dropped. This was denied, and their case will be heard in the summer. Read more here.

******

Upcoming court battles focus on endangered species
Two parallel efforts are being launched to protect species at risk in the ‘Ada’itxs/Fairy Creek Area—one led by Elder Bill Jones and Kathy Code of the Rainforest Flying Squad working with West Coast Environmental Law (WCEL), and the other by the Friends of Fairy Creek Society.

******

Working with SARA (Species at Risk Act)
Elder Bill Jones and Kathy Code of the Rainforest Flying Squad  have been granted West Coast Environmental Law stage 2 funding of $17,000 to continue work around the Species at Risk (SARA) legislation. They are developing strategy with lawyers with the intent to get the logging stopped at tree farm licence #46 due to the presence of the Marbled Murrelet, the Western Screech Owl, the Northern Goshawk and the Specklebellied lichen.

******

Working with the Migratory Birds Act: Can the Marbled Murrelet save Ada’itxs/Fairy Creek?
The Friends of Fairy Creek Society is taking the BC and Canadian governments to court, seeking a judicial order that the Migratory Birds Act 2022 does not allow “indiscriminate destruction” of nests of these seabirds through logging old growth in tree farm licence 46, which includes Fairy Creek. Read more here. Both initiatives are great ways to keep the pressure up!

******

MP Patrick Weiler stands up for ancient forests in BC

Ever heard of Patrick Weiler, Liberal MP for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country? Probably not, but it turns out he’s an old-growth champion. On May 4, he introduced Motion M-83 to both ban the export of old-growth logs and any products made from them asap, but not later than 2030, and end old-growth logging on federal lands.

Mr. Weiler speaks passionately about the ancient forests: “There’s probably no more important environmental issue in BC than protecting old growth. This is essentially our cathedrals that are being cut down.”

Weiler is a member of the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development, which also includes Victoria MP Laurel Collins. In March, this committee voted to increase the BC Old-Growth Nature Fund from $50 million to $82 million, contingent on matching from the BC government. So far—and the $50 million has been on offer for several years—the BC government hasn’t responded. Read more:

Ancient Forest Alliance media release: Motion for Old-Growth Fund & Export Ban Introduced by MP Patrick Weiler

Times Colonist, May 7, B.C. MP seeks ban on old-growth log exports by 2030

CBC News, May 5, B.C. MP introduces motion to end old-growth logging on federal land, ban all exports by 2030

The Guardian, May 11, Canada: images of felled ancient tree a ‘gut-punch’, old-growth experts say. This article graphically details the old-growth destruction currently taking place in BC and underlines the urgency for immediate protection.Take Action!
Write/phone the BC NDP ministers responsible for releasing these matching funds.

Let them know it’s past time to ante up the matching $82 million, to create a sizable fund to protect what little remains of old-growth forests in BC.

• Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests: FLNR.Minister@gov.bc.ca (250) 387-6240,
• Nathan Cullen, Minister of Water, Lands and Resource Stewardship: LWRS.minister@gov.bc.ca (778) 405-3094
• George Heyman, Minister of Environment: ENV.Minister@gov.bc.ca (250) 387-1187
• Premier David Eby: premier@gov.bc.ca 250-387-1715
• Your own MLA

You may also want to contact your MP and copy Patrick Weiler, Patrick.Weiler@parl.gc.ca, to urge support for Motion M-83.

Just to get you going, here’s a sample letter.
*****

In the News

May 12, Vancouver Island Free Daily, Nuchatlaht did not prove title for entire Nootka Island claim: B.C. Supreme Court. A BC Supreme Court judge rejected the Nuchatlaht aboriginal land claim on part of Nootka Island. Western Forest Products Inc., co-defendant in this case along with BC and Canada, will continue to log without the consent of the Nuchatlaht.

May 11, The Guardian, Canada: images of felled ancient tree a ‘gut-punch’, old-growth experts say. Shocking photos of chopped-down tree in western Canada highlights flaws in plan to protect forest from loggers. What does this say about ‘beautiful BC’?

Apr 21, The Guardian, Costa Rica restored its ravaged land to health. The rich UK has no excuse for such complete failure. Applies to BC as well.

Apr 20, Nature Canada, Audit Reveals Government Failure to Transparently Report Logging Emissions and Shows Flaws in Canada’s Two Billion Tree Plan:

Apr 20, Capital Daily, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria’s newest exhibition on mushrooms includes a slice of Fairy Creek

Apr 19, Times Colonist, B.C. old-growth protesters celebrate as contempt prosecution has ‘collapsed’

Mar 30, CBC News, Simpcw First Nation declares watershed as Indigenous conservation area. The Simpcw First Nation has become the latest community to declare a part of its traditional territory near the B.C.-Alberta border—the Raush Valley watershed—to be protected from logging and other extractive activities.

Mar 21, The Narwhal, Giving forestry corporations what they want means sacrificing everything. An excellent opinion piece calling attention to the forces driving the BC government’s pattern of subsidies to a failing logging industry.
******

Inspiration!

Take a few moments to breath deeply, look at the natural beauty that surrounds us.

Listen to Heartwood from Spell Songs

with artists:
Karine Polwart
Julie Fowlis
Seckou Keita
Kris Drever
Rachel Newton
Beth Porter
Jim Molyneux.

Find inspiration in the natural world wherever you can!