Protect McLaughlin Ridge YouTube Clip (1min)

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Direct link to YouTube clip (1min): www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsZiO1wAKwE

Help us protect the old-growth forests of McLaughlin Ridge near Port Alberni!

Conservationists are calling on the BC government to protect a 500 hectare tract of ancient Douglas fir forest near Port Alberni that biologists have classified as both critical habitat for wintering deer and nesting endangered Queen Charlotte goshawks. Conservationists would like the BC government to protect the old-growth forest on private land on McLaughlin Ridge by purchasing it from Island Timberlands.

See the photo gallery here: www.ancientforestalliance.org/photos.php?gID=10

The land was formerly intended for protection as an Ungulate Winter Range (UWR) for black-tailed deer and as a Wildlife Habitat Area (WHA) for the endangered goshawk until 2004 when the BC Liberal government removed 88,000 hectares of land now owned by Island Timberlands from their Tree Farm Licenses (TFL’s), thus removing most existing environmental protections on those lands and failing to implement other planned protections. Island Timberlands began logging the 500 hectare tract of old-growth forest a year ago, clearcutting 100 hectares or more from both sides of the Grove, while about 400 hectares of the core area still remains – for now.

Til the Last Tree

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To make a pledge of any amount to Hall and Jackett’s ride to benefit the Ancient Forest Alliance, please go to: https://www.tilthelasttree.com/p/donate.html

Two cyclists on a cross-Canada bicycle trip to raise funds and awareness to protect BC’s old-growth forests are now nearing completion of their meandering, 11,000 kilometer cycling and bird-watching journey – almost 6 months after commencing their tour that they’ve dubbed “‘til the last tree” (see  https://www.tilthelasttree.com/ ).Musician Jaime Hall and wildlife biologist Nigel Jackett began their tour from Newfoundland in May, taking sponsorship pledges for the Victoria-based environmental organization, the Ancient Forest Alliance (https://16.52.162.165/),as they’ve progressed. The couple, now in BC, are due to arrive in Victoria around November 10.

Pledges are based on the number of bird species spotted by Jackett and Hall, and the couple have now seen more than 300 species. Individuals can also make a donation to down load Hall’s songs or simply make a straight donation to the Ancient Forest Alliance. They have now raised almost $4000 in donations and sponsorship pledges for the Ancient Forest Alliance, which so far has run on a budget of about $45,000 in 2011.

“What a phenomenal experience it has been to see the diversity of my own country with the detail that comes from traveling by bicycle. We’re glad to have had the opportunity to undertake such an epic journey, and to raise funds and awareness for a cause we truly believe in,” stated Jaime Hall. “As it turns out, cycling the distance of one and a half times Canada’s length has also got us into the best shape of our lives!”

“I’m amazed at the diversity of ecosystems in Canada –from the Carolinian deciduous forests of southern Ontario to the prairie grass lands of southern Saskatchewan to the temperate rainforests of British Columbia. I’m thrilled that such a great experience will contribute to the protection of Canada’s natural heritage and biodiversity,” stated Nigel Jackett.

Jaime Hall grew up in the Okanagan, was trained as a classical pianist, and is a song-writer and musician with a passion for nature and conservation. Nigel Jackett is an Australian-born biologist who worked for the BC government surveying for species-at-risk in 2007 and 2008.

Highlights of their trip have included:

– Newfoundland. The people are friendly and the starkly beautiful landscapes are unique in Canada

– Secretly camping in a Toronto waterfront park, and going unnoticed.

– Experiencing the spectacle of spring and fall bird migration.

– An 82 year-old retired coastguard taking them in his boat to look for puffins off the southern tip of Nova Scotia.

– Communicating, or rather trying to communicate, in their broken French in Quebec and New Brunswick: “Nous traverson le Canada en bicyk!”

– Arriving at the gates to BC: the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta!!

The Ancient Forest Alliance is a new, Victoria-based non-profit environmental organization working for the protection of BC’s old-growth forests, to ensure the sustainable logging of second-growth forests, and to end the export of raw, unprocessed logs from BC to foreign mills. The organization was founded in January, 2010, and works within the law through rallies, hiking trips, slideshows, photography, letter-writing campaigns, petition drives, and media campaigns to inform and mobilize citizens to push the BC government to protect ancient forests and BC forestry jobs. See the organization’s photo gallery of Canada’s largest trees and stumps at:  https://16.52.162.165/photos-media/

“We’re most grateful to Hall and Jackett for their great support in promoting our cause. As a new organization with very limited funds, the completion of their tour will greatly bolster our organization at a critical time,” stated Ken Wu, Ancient Forest Alliance co-founder. “We’re looking forward to celebrate their arrival after 6 months!”

To make a pledge of any amount to Hall and Jackett’s ride to benefit the Ancient Forest Alliance, please go to:  https://www.tilthelasttree.com/p/donate.html

The Ancient Forest Alliance will host a welcoming event and slideshow on Monday, November 14 by Hall and Jackett where they will present photos of the highlights of their tour from 7:00-8:30 pm at the Garry Oak Room in the Fairfield Community Center at 1335 Thurlow Road by Moss St.

Hul’qumi’num Treaty group Chief Treaty Negotiator Robert Morales

Ancient Forest Alliance hosts rally to protect old growth

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More than four hundred people showed up to support the Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA) last Thursday at Alix Goolden hall. The goal of the rally was to gather support from the community in a call to the provincial government to revamp forest policies. Protection of old growth forests, transition to a sustainable second-growth forestry economy, and a ban on exportation of raw logs were some of the main talking points from a diverse group of keynote speakers.

Representatives from First Nations bands, forestry workers from the Pulp, Paper, and Woodworkers of Canada Union (PPWC), the Sierra Club, and the NDP’s forestry critic, Norm MacDonald, all spoke on the topics of old growth and forestry jobs.

Robert Morales, Chief Treaty Negotiator of the Hul’qumi’num Treaty group discussed new land use plans calling for protection of old growth in First Nations territory across the province, as well as an increase in protected endangered forests. Morales is part of a group heading to Washington, D.C. to discuss with the Inter-American Commission the possible human rights violations in taking privately owned land off the table for negotiations. He states that in addition to hurting old growth forests, deforestation also affects Indigenous communities. The loss of trees, plants and animals hinders cultural teachings. Morales wants to push for a change in Canadian domestic policy; the goal is not to displace people, but preserve forest jobs as well as the environment. The treaty group represents the largest grouping of First Nations on Vancouver Island from Shawnigan Lake to Nanaimo.
 

Arnold Bercov, President of the PPWC, called for an end to raw log exports. Ken Wu of the AFA stated 1.1 million cubic metres of raw logs were exported to China in 2010, which represents the potential of 1 000 mill jobs if processed in B.C. A decline in coastal forestry employment can be attributed to a decline in old-growth stands, resulting in trees becoming increasingly expensive to reach.

The importance of the forest to First Nations culture was driven home by Gisele Martin, Clayoquot Nuu-Cha-Nulth (Tlaoquiaht) Cultural Educator and tour operator. She stated that the forest is a pharmacy, grocery store, a home, and important for the continuation of cultural education. To know the bark is ready on a tree for basket making one must literally hug the tree, and it is important to use all that you take.

With old-growth forest on the decline, and mills having to switch procedures from old growth to second growth anyway, the AFA is calling for a switch as soon as possible.

With the provincial election next year, Wu said that there is a minority of British Columbians that want the old growth finished off.

“This is the ideal time to be pushing the B.C. government to develop comprehensive new policies because firstly, there is time to do it,” he says. “Secondly, we have time to build a broad-based movement to toss them out if they don’t.”
 

The first of many public mobilizations, Wu states that AFA are going from the woods to the streets over the next year.
 

AFA Photographer TJ Watt relaxes in a giant redcedar the day he and a friend discovered the now endangered Avatar Grove.

Public Hike to the Avatar Grove – Saturday, Nov.5th.

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*** Note – New meeting place for the fall/winter hikes!

Join the Ancient Forest Alliance’s Ken Wu and TJ Watt for a hike to the Avatar Grove this coming Saturday. Come out and learn about the ecology and politics surrounding BC’s endangered old-growth forests and experience the grove’s gnarly redcedars and giant Douglas-firs first hand!

Itinerary:

– Meet at 1:00pm in Port Renfrew at the Port Renfrew Hotel/Pub (It is located in town on the right-hand side of the road a short distance after passing the Coastal Kitchen Cafe). Upon arrival, please watch to see how parking is being organized to keep space open for general business costumers.
– Leave in a convoy to the Avatar Grove.
– Hike the Avatar Grove and finish by 4:00pm

IMPORTANT – MUST READ!

***THIS IS A WILDERNESS AREA***

Only those with a moderate hiking ability and comfortable hiking on rugged terrain with fallen logs, steep slopes, and no official trail, and with a firm sense of balance, can come on the hike. All participants will be required to sign a waiver form.

*No dogs. They can disturb wildlife including bears, elk, deer, cougars, wolves, raccoons, and Sasquatch in the area.

*Participants must bring their own snacks, water, proper clothing and footwear for all weather conditions, medical requirements, and wonderful attitude!

*Be sure to support the local community by buying food and other items in town!

*Directions and a Google map to the Avatar Grove from Port Renfrew can be found at: https://16.52.162.165/ancient-forests/directions-to-avatar-grove/

Please let us know if you’re coming and how many people you’ll be bringing, so we can get a sense of our numbers.
You can email us at: info@16.52.162.165

1 & 1/2 Annual Tree Huggers Ball – Dance Party Extravaganza!

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This Friday, students with the University of Victoria Ancient Forest Committee have again organized an awesome night full of groovy MUSIC, ridiculous contests, PRIZES, and foot stomping good times, all in support of our endangered ancient forests! Come on out and enjoy this dance party extravaganza!

Date: Friday, Nov. 4th
Time: 8:00 pm – 1:00 am
Location: Felicita’s Pub @ UVic
Tickets: $10 – Available in the UVSS booth in the Student Union Building (SUB) and at the door.

All proceeds from the event will go to the Ancient Forest Alliance. Last year the club packed the pub with over 300 people and raised roughly $5200 for AFA! This year they’re aiming to top that mark!

 

Ancient Forest Alliance

Human rights groups and Indigenous peoples’ organizations will closely monitor landmark international hearing into Canadian land rights case

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Public statement
26 October 2011
On Friday, October 28, the Human Rights Commission of the Organization of American States (OAS) will hold its first ever hearings into the violation of Indigenous land rights in Canada.

The case before Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) concerns the 1884 expropriation of over 237,000 hectares of resource-rich land from the traditional territories of the Hul’qumi’num peoples on Vancouver Island. The Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group alleges that Canada has violated international human rights norms by refusing to negotiate for any form of redress for the expropriated lands, which are now mostly in the hands of large forestry companies, and by failing to protect Hul’qumi’num interests while the dispute remains unresolved .

More than a dozen Indigenous peoples’ organizations and human rights groups have filed legal briefs in support of the Hul’qumi’num case.

Craig Benjamin, Campaigner for the Human Rights of Indigenous Peoples with Amnesty International Canada, said, “The case now before the Inter-American Commission highlights crucial issues of justice that affect not only the Hul’qumi’num people, but Indigenous peoples across Canada. The very fact that a respected international human rights body like the IACHR is investigating these issues should be a wake up call to the federal and provincial governments and to all Canadians.”

In agreeing to hear the complaint, the Inter-American Commission ruled that the available mechanisms to resolve this dispute in Canada, whether through negotiation or the BC treaty process, are too onerous and too constrained in their protection of human rights to live up to the standards of international justice.

Grand Chief Matthew Coon Come, Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) said, “Fair and timely resolution of land and resource disputes is essential for reconciliation of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada and for closing the unacceptable gap in standard of living facing so many Indigenous communities. We hope that the intervention of the international human rights body can be a catalyst for rethinking government policies and approaches that have so blatantly failed Indigenous peoples and the cause of justice.”

“Canada cannot credibly demand that other states live up to international standards for the protection of human rights — including the fundamental right to equality and non-discrimination — while dismissing those same standards at home,” said Heather Neun of Lawyers Rights Watch Canada. “Our organizations will be closely monitoring this hearing and are prepared to campaign to make sure governments in Canada act on the Commission’s findings.”

The hearing will be held at the Commission’s headquarters in Washington D.C. on October 28, 2011, at 9 am EST. The hearing will be webcast on the Commission’s website.

This public statement was endorsed by:

Amnesty International Canada
Ancient Forest Alliance
Canadian Friends Service Committee (Quakers)
Ecotrust Canada
First Nations Summit
Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)
KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives
Lawyer’s Rights Watch Canada
Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs

 

For more information visit:

 https://www.hulquminum.bc.ca/news
https://www.oas.org/en/media_center/webcast_schedule.asp

Poster - please feel free to print and pass along to anyone who might be interested!

Slideshow: Saving our Spectacular Ancient Forests! Wed, Oct. 12th

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Wednesday, October 12th, 7pm-8:30pm

Room 7000, SFU Harbour Centre (515 W Hastings, Vancouver)

Join Ken Wu, TJ Watt, and Hannah Carpendale of the Ancient Forest Alliance for a slideshow tour through Vancouver Island’s spectacular ancient rainforests, featuring several of the newest images by photographer TJ Watt. Learn about the ecology and politics of BC’s endangered ancient forests, and find out how to get involved in the campaign to save them as the organization embarks on a fall mobilization for ancient forests and to end raw log exports.

Visit our Facebook Events page and click to attend:
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=240986749285512

For more info, please contact hannah@15.222.255.145

Feel free to print our posters and pass on to anyone who might be interested!

Hope to see you there!

Flores Island sunset in Clayoquot Sound. This photo and many more will be available for purchase at the show!

Ancient Forest Photo Show – Fundraiser! Wed, Sept. 28th

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Time: 5:00pm – 8:30pm (Drop in anytime during those hours!)
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 28th
Location: Apt. # P-2, 5th floor, 725 Yates Street,Victoria, BC
This is an event you surely don’t want to miss! Ancient Forest Alliance’s award-winning photographer TJ Watt will have a selection of his finest photographs for sale at a catered showing in downtown Victoria. Join the photographer himself and AFA’s Ken Wu for a lovely evening with live music, hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar, located in a beautiful top-floor penthouse suite.
Please hit ‘ATTEND’ on the Facebook event page and then ‘SELECT’ friends and family to invite here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000685892458#!/event.php?eid=266394390050470
To view some …of TJ’s stunning photographs, visit his online photo galleries:

AFA photo gallery – https://16.52.162.165/photos-media/
Personal website – https://www.utopiaphoto.ca/
Photo blog – https://utopiaphoto.ca/blog/

On display will be nearly a dozen 24”x36” prints, a range of smaller prints, and a few select framed works. Featured images will range from Canada’s biggest trees, to coastal landscape views and lush forest scenes, as well as new UNRELEASED images from one of the most stunning and unique forests on Vancouver Island!

Born and raised in Metchosin, TJ has been shooting for nearly a decade and has become best known for his spectacular photos of BC’s endangered old-growth forests. His images of have been published in provincial and national news media articles, books, posters, magazines, and museums. This is your chance to take home signed prints from one of Canada’s top nature photographers!

***This event is a fundraiser for the Ancient Forest Alliance which is in need of funding to continue its vital campaigns to protect BC’s ancient forests and forestry jobs.

For the winning group

ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT! The AFA NEEDS YOUR VOTES in the Phillips Benefit Brew contest!

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Local Victoria, BC, company Phillips Brewery is hosting their Annual Benefit Brew charity contest and the Ancient Forest Alliance needs YOUR votes to win!

This has the potential to raise the AFA nearly $10,000 in proceeds!

CAST YOUR VOTE HERE! https://phillipsbeer.com/benefitbrew

Remember to KEEP VOTING EACH DAY until the Sept.23rd deadline!

Most importantly, be sure to SHARE the above link with FRIENDS and FAMILY through Facebook, Twitter, and Email.

For the winning group, Phillips will design and produce a short-run specially-crafted beer complete with a custom label (imagine a Gnarly Tree beer!). The campaign is aimed at both raising awareness, and providing financial support by donating the full proceeds of the benefit brew to the chosen cause.

Local band Quioa new album Wildside to support ancient trees

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Local band Quoia is about to release an album titled Wildside with 10% of the proceeds to be donated to Ancient Forest Alliance.

Quoia is a band known for their high-energy liveshow and uplifting grooves. The new album Wildside release is October 8th in Victoria at Canoe Brewpub, October 15th in Tofino at the Tofino Legion and Nov. 4th in Vancouver at The Media Club with more dates to follow. A performer at the Tall Tree Festival 2011 in Port Renfrew, Quoia’s Wildside album cover features a spectacular painting of Port San Juan

Don’t miss this event of Quoia’s genre-hopping sounds that will have you dancing and singing along. Follow along on facebook and Quoia’s website:

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=250737271631693

https://quoiaband.com