Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) and conservation groups call for critical funding for First Nations old-growth protection initiatives- Joint letter

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The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) and conservation groups including Ancient Forest Alliance, Endangered Ecosystems Alliance, Sierra Club of BC, Wilderness Committee, and Stand.earth have sent a joint letter to the BC government calling for financing to support First Nations old-growth protection initiatives. Read the full letter below:

February 24, 2021

Request for Provincial Funding in Developing a Provincial Old-Growth Strategy

To the Honourable:
Premier John Horgan
Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Murray Rankin
Minister of Finance Selina Robinson
Minister of Forests Katrine Conroy
Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy George Heyman
Minister of State for Lands and Natural Resource Operations Nathan Cullen
Minister of Municipal Affairs Josie Osborne

We, the undersigned First Nations and conservation organizations, are calling on your government to provide the critical funding needed to fulfill your obligations to Indigenous peoples and incur the necessary changes to BC’s system of forest management as you develop a new policy framework in consultation with First Nations to manage and protect old-growth forests in BC.

We are pleased that the BC government has committed to implementing all 14 recommendations of the Old-Growth Strategic Review Panel. However, the province has not yet committed to a critical component that would enable this to happen – the requisite funding. 

The implementation across the province of the Panel’s immediate-term recommendations for logging deferrals in the most endangered, productive (ie. grandest), oldest, and most intact old-growth forest types, and for the longer-term protection of these and other old-growth forests, cannot be achieved without sufficient funding in a number of areas.

Financial resources for First Nations, including hereditary Title and Rights holders, are needed to implement these deferrals in their territories to forgo the associated revenues to their communities, and to fund Indigenous land use planning, community engagement, management, and stewardship (through initiatives like Indigenous Guardians programs) that are vital to the establishment of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas to protect old-growth forests for future generations.

In addition, conservation financing is vital to support and advance sustainable economic self-determination in First Nations communities to ensure that an equivalent economic alternative to old-growth logging is available for these communities. The financing is needed to assist the development of First Nations businesses in cultural and eco-tourism, clean energy, value-added second-growth forestry, sustainable seafood, and non-timber forest products congruent with old-growth forest protection. 

The current landscape of old-growth logging has been exacerbated over years by successive BC governments working to commercialize all old growth timber and foster an economic dependence on old-growth logging in First Nations communities. They have achieved this by arranging agreements for revenue-sharing, employment, joint ventures, and tenures for old growth timber in contentious areas for First Nations, who face limited economic opportunities as a result of years of colonialism and racism.

With a lack of critical and accessible funding, combined with the government’s overwhelming influence resulting in Indigenous dependency on old-growth logging jobs and revenues, First Nations communities are unable to exercise their Title and Rights to freely pursue other economic options consistent with the protection of old-growth forests and Indigenous self-determination. Therefore, consultations conducted by the provincial government without the requisite funding for sustainable economic alternatives maintains the status quo of old-growth logging while removing Indigenous self-determination, decision making and well-being in conservation and stewardship. 

For private lands, an annual, dedicated land acquisition fund is needed to earmark and purchase old-growth forests and endangered ecosystems on private lands as new protected areas, including Indigenous Protected Areas. This must be done in consultation with the First Nations whose territory the land is on.

Provincial funding to protect old-growth forests can be augmented by funding from the federal government and conservation organizations. We urge the Province to turn to examples like the Great Bear Rainforest Initiative where $120 million in funding – $60 million from conservation organizations, $30 million from the federal government, and $30 million from the province – helped Indigenous communities develop new businesses and undertake stewardship and restoration programs associated with protecting a third of the Central and North Coasts of BC. 

Carbon offsets from the province, businesses and other governments could be a key mechanism to help finance Indigenous protection of old-growth forests, as has been done in the Great Bear Rainforest and the Cheakamus Community Forest of the Lil’Wat and Squamish Nations. 

Old-growth forests in British Columbia are keystone ecosystems that support wildlife and endangered species; clean water for communities and wild salmon; the cultural practices, spirituality, livelihoods, and local economies of First Nations; tourism and recreation industries for thousands of British Columbians; and regional and global climate regulation.

First Nations hold Inherent Rights and Title to the unceded lands we occupy. Since time immemorial, First Nations have harvested and been in relationship with the plants and animals of the land and waters for food, medicines, utensils, trade, cultural and ceremonial purposes, including with the wild salmon that spawn in the clean waters provided by old-growth forests and the monumental old-growth red and yellow cedars harvested for dugout canoes, totem poles, long-houses, clothing and regalia. Thus, old-growth forests possess incalculable cultural value and significance for First Nations, the original keepers and stewards of the Land. 

Over a century of industrial logging has decimated the vast majority of productive old-growth forests in BC. A recent scientific study found that across BC only 2.7% of the original high productivity old-growth forests with the largest trees and “classic” forest giants still remain. 

Today, the large-scale industrial clearcutting of old-growth forests continues, with over 50,000 hectares of old-growth forests being logged every year in BC. 

Second-growth forests now constitute the vast majority of productive forest lands in the province, and a sustainable, value-added forest industry can be readily sustained by these second-growth stands. 

BC can sustain and even expand forestry employment levels while protecting old-growth forests if the province pro-actively works to increase the jobs to harvest volume ratio in the second-growth forest industry. This shift can be achieved by implementing key incentives (rebates and tax-relief for new investments, education and skills training, R&D, marketing) and regulations (greater restrictions on raw log exports, development of regional log sorts) with a focus on lower volume but more labour-intensive, higher-end products.

In summary, we are asking that the British Columbian government create and fund a Provincial Old-Growth Strategy that will align with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, fulfill the government’s obligation to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and uphold a strong framework of First Nations and stakeholder consultations.

Adequate funding must be provided by the province to this end, including funding for the creation of First Nations Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) and land use plans; for the management and stewardship of IPCAs; for the development of conservation-based businesses and economies as an alternative to logging endangered old-growth forests; and for the purchasing and protection of old-growth forests on private lands.  

An estimation of costs will be forthcoming regarding the funding needed from the province and other sources to fully implement the 14 recommendations of the Old-Growth Strategic Review Panel through a valuation analysis of the key components needed to support and enable Indigenous old-growth forest protection.

Alongside the development of a new Provincial Old-growth Strategy, it is vital that the province implement a comprehensive system of incentives and regulations to ensure the transition to a value-added, sustainable second-growth forest industry that supports and enhances the employment prospects for the thousands of BC forest industry workers.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

On behalf of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President
Chief Don Tom, Vice-President
Kukpi7 Judy Wilson, Secretary-Treasurer
Ken Wu, Executive Director, Endangered Ecosystems Alliance
TJ Watt, Executive Team, Ancient Forest Alliance
Hannah Askew, Executive Director, Sierra Club BC
Torrance Coste, National Campaign Director, Wilderness Committee
Tegan Hansen, Forest Campaigner, Stand.earth

View a PDF version of the letter here

AFA Holiday Hours

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Seasons Greetings!

The AFA office will be closed Dec. 24-Jan. 3 as our staff spend time at home with their families. During this downtime, we will be checking emails and phone messages periodically and will reply to queries at our first opportunity when we return ready and refreshed in the new year.

Thank you for your support. Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season!

For the forests,
~AFA Team

You’re invited to the AFA’s 2020 Year-End Update & Fundraiser!

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We’re hosting our annual year-end event and fundraiser on Thursday, December 3rd, from 7-8 pm – this time on Zoom! Join us to learn what we’ve been up to this past year and what’s next for BC’s old-growth forests. Plus, you could win some fun prizes!

With new scientific evidence on the dire state of BC’s old-growth forests and the NDP’s election promise to implement all of the independent Old Growth Strategic Review panel’s recommendations, 2020 has been an eventful year for the ancient forest campaign.

Tune in to hear more about these and other developments, learn what AFA is doing to make immediate old-growth protection a top priority for the NDP government, and celebrate all we’ve achieved together this past year.

The evening will feature a slideshow presentation from AFA campaigners TJ Watt and Andrea Inness, a Q&A session on all things old-growth, and a chance to connect with the AFA team. 

You’ll also find out how you can support our campaigns, including by purchasing some great AFA gear (which make excellent holiday gifts!)

Event schedule:

7:00pm presentation followed by Q&A

Tickets: By donation. Register here

A Zoom link to join the webinar will be sent in your confirmation email. 

Proceeds from the event will go towards AFA’s campaign to protect BC’s endangered old-growth forests and ensure a sustainable, second-growth forest industry.

Ancient Forest Alliance 2021 Calendars are here!

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The Ancient Forest Alliance 2021 CALENDAR is hot off the press!! From the popular tourist destination Avatar Grove and old-growth “hotspot” Fairy Creek to the majestic bald eagle and more, each month showcases a spectacular image of BC’s magnificent ancient forests and the species that call them home. All photos are by AFA’s renowned photographer TJ Watt and are printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with vegetable-based inks.

$25.00 each; 3 or more $20.00 each. Great as holiday gifts!

To get yours:
• Visit our online store www.ancientforestalliance.org/store/
• Give us a call 250-896-4007

By purchasing an AFA calendar you’re helping us continue our work to protect BC’s endangered old-growth forests and to ensure a sustainable, second-growth forest industry.

Thank you most gratefully!

AFA’s Andrea Inness on the Great.com podcast

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Earlier this month, the AFA’s own Andrea Inness was featured on Great.com‘s podcast Great.com Talks With… where she discussed the plight of BC’s rare and endangered old-growth forests, what must be done to protect them, and how concerned folks around the world can help get involved.

Learn more and listen to the podcast interview online or anywhere you get your podcasts.

Vote today and help shape the future of old-growth forests

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Thanks to all of you, ancient forest protection has become a top election issue. Over the last few weeks, BC’s old-growth forests have been discussed in multiple political debates, news stories, online content, party platforms, and campaign speeches. Almost 1,400 messages have been sent and all three parties have made election promises that could profoundly impact the fate of BC’s endangered old-growth.

It’s now up to you to decide which party will put ancient forests first and to cast your vote. 

If you need a last-minute refresher on where each party stands on old-growth logging and related forestry issues, check out our short election video and election report card. 

And if you’re heading to the polls today, here’s a quick guide to help you ensure your vote gets counted!

• Voting places are open today from 8am to 8pm. Click here to find polling stations for your riding or use the Where to Vote App. 

• You can also cast your ballot at any district electoral office from from 8am to 8pm. Find the district electoral office nearest you

• If you have a vote-by-mail package, it must be returned in person before 8pm at any district electoral office, voting place, or participating Service BC location. If you mail it, it won’t be received in time and won’t be counted. For more information, visit Election BC’s vote by mail page. 

• Make sure to bring a valid ID with your name and address and don’t forget your mask!

• For more information, visit Elections BC. 

Your vote could help create a better future for BC’s magnificent old-growth forests.

For the trees,

The AFA team,

Where do BC’s Major Political Parties Stand on Old-Growth Logging and Related Issues?

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The BC government has called a snap election for October 24th, putting critical issues like the continued logging of BC’s endangered old-growth forests, reconciliation with Indigenous Nations, climate change, forestry practices, and the economy into the spotlight.

We’ve prepared a summary of where each of BC’s three major parties stand on old-growth and related issues and given each party a grade to help voters make informed decisions this election.

For information on how and where to vote visit Elections BC

BC NDP

Old-growth forest policies

GRADE: D

Over the last three and a half years, the BC NDP have continued to enable the massive, widespread destruction of BC’s old-growth forests at the same rate as the BC Liberals even as endangered species like mountain caribou and spotted owls continue to dramatically decline in numbers. They also failed to implement their 2017 election platform commitment to “take an evidence-based scientific approach and use the ecosystem-based management of the Great Bear Rainforest as a model” to sustainably manage BC’s old-growth.

Instead, in 2019, the BC NDP announced they would protect 54 big trees on BC’s Big Tree Registry and convene an independent panel to review BC’s forest policies. The panel’s final report was released in September, at which time the NDP announced they would enact a regulation estimated to protect up to 1,500 more of BC’s biggest trees. They also announced two-year logging deferrals in 353,000 hectares (ha) in nine areas across BC. However, only 3,800 ha – just 1% – of the 353,000 ha contains productive old-growth forest with big trees – the type of forest the old-growth panel has recommended the BC government take immediate action to protect.

In their 2020 election platform, the BC NDP promised to work with First Nations governments, labour, industry, and environmental groups to implement the Old Growth Strategic Review panel’s recommendations to protect old-growth forests. The 14 recommendations outlined in the independent panel’s report are a blueprint for a complete paradigm shift in the way BC manages old-growth forests, putting ecosystem health and biodiversity above timber values. However, the NDP haven’t committed to implementing the recommendations on the panel’s three-year timeline and they have failed to protect the last remaining 3% of BC’s productive, big tree old-growth forests. They have also failed to commit critical funding to support the creation of new protected areas; help BC transition to sustainable, value-added, second-growth forestry; and support First Nations’ land-use plans and sustainable economies.

Raw log exports, wood manufacturing, and support for communities in transition

GRADE: D

Since coming to power, the NDP have failed to curb the export of raw, unprocessed logs from BC’s coast – something the NDP were strongly in support of doing while in opposition. Although the NDP claim to want to get more value out of BC logs, and despite continued job loss and mill closures across BC due to decades of unsustainable harvesting and a lack of long-term planning, they still haven’t devised a comprehensive economic strategy or committed sufficient funding to expand BC’s value-added wood manufacturing sector, help forest-based communities diversify their economies, or expedite the transition to a sustainable, second growth forest sector.

Instead, the NDP have allowed old-growth forests to be logged to make wood pellets for BC’s burgeoning biofuels industry (which releases massive amounts of CO2 emissions) and have promoted the use of mass timber in public buildings as a “sustainable” alternative to concrete, even though it could be manufactured using old-growth trees.

In their platform, the BC NDP promise to allocate a specific portion the annual allowable cut to value-added producers and say they will continue “revitalizing” BC’s forests through greater investments in tree planting and wildfire prevention. As part of their post-COVID Economic Recovery Plan, they also promise to support resource communities facing job loss, help retrain impacted workers, and develop higher value goods.

BC Green Party

Old-growth forest policies

GRADE: A+

The Greens have been outspoken about the need to protect endangered old-growth throughout their time in government. For example, in the spring of 2019, they called on the BC NDP to enact immediate moratoria on old-growth logging in hotspots on Vancouver Island and to invest in mill retrofits to aid the transition to a sustainable second-growth industry.

In their election platform, the BC Greens promise to put an immediate end to the logging of old growth forests in high risk ecosystems and partner with First Nations to fully implement all of the old-growth review panel’s recommendations. They also commit to enacting legislation that establishes forest ecosystem health and biodiversity as an overarching priority and establishing funding mechanisms to support old-growth protection and communities.

Raw log exports, wood manufacturing, and support for communities in transition

GRADE: A+

The Greens have promised to ensure small producers in BC have better access to fibre and to incentivize value-added wood manufacturing, including non-traditional uses of BC wood.

They have committed to ending raw log exports, reducing emissions from forestry, and ensuring that First Nations, municipalities, and regional districts reap more benefits from BC’s forest sector.

Finally, the BC Greens promise to support forestry workers and communities in the transition away from old-growth logging by investing in retraining and by supporting more sustainable use of BC’s forests, for example, through investments in tourism and carbon economies.

BC Liberal Party

Old-growth forest policies

GRADE: F

During their time in power, the BC Liberals significantly increased the rate of old-growth logging in BC’s interior and allowed Old-Growth Management Area boundaries in many parts of BC to be adjusted to allow for more logging. Using stumpage fees and taxpayers’ dollars, they aggressively marketed BC old-growth wood abroad and reduced old-growth forest retention targets in the Central Interior to prop-up ailing mills. They also deregulated vast areas of private, corporate forest lands that were once publicly regulated, opening up major tracts of protected old-growth forests for liquidation. The Liberals’ key area of progress in reducing the rate of cut was in the Great Bear Rainforest, where the AAC was reduced by 40%, and in Haida Gwaii, where the AAC was reduced by 50%.

The BC Liberals’ current forestry platform [Original article no longer available] is the unsustainable status quo: maintain business-as-usual logging (which includes clearcutting old-growth forests), support mass timber construction projects made from BC wood, and plant more trees. They also promise to “modernize” management practices and provide more public subsidies to make it easier and cheaper for companies to log. Their platform makes no mention of the need to protect old-growth forests. In fact, they promise to introduce legislation to protect the “working forest” – an approach that would see the vast majority of BC’s remaining endangered old-growth logged.

Raw log exports, wood manufacturing, and support for communities in transition

GRADE: F

The BC Liberals dramatically increased the rate of raw log exports during their 16 years in power, quadrupling average annual log exports to over 6 million cubic meters each year, resulting in the loss of thousands of potential forestry jobs in BC. They removed the local milling requirement, granted scores of log export permits from Crown lands, issued general exemptions against log export restrictions for the entire North Coast, and removed Tree Farm Licences on corporate private lands, opening the floodgates to log exports.

They have not made any commitments in their 2020 platform to curb raw log exports, invest in value-added wood manufacturing, or help forest-based communities diversify their economies or transition to second-growth logging.

Clayoquot Sound

Union of BC Indian Chiefs passes old-growth forest resolution

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Exciting news! The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) has passed a resolution calling on the BC Government to work with First Nations to protect old-growth forests while engaging and supporting Indigenous communities.

The resolution, passed last month at the UBCIC AGM, follows the BC government’s Sept 11 release of a report by an independent panel tasked with reviewing BC’s forest policies. The panel’s report contains 14 recommendations that form a blueprint for a new BC forest regime that is centred on Indigenous involvement and puts ecosystem health ahead of timber values.

In the resolution, the UBCIC Chiefs-in-Assembly call on the province to implement all 14 of the panel’s recommendations and to expand logging deferrals to encompass “all threatened old-growth forests” in consultation with First Nations.

They also call for funding to support First Nations-led land-use plans, Indigenous Protected Area management, private land purchase, and conservation economies.

Read the full resolution here:

UBCIC-Resolution-2020-23Download

New Photo Gallery: Fairy Creek headwaters

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See our latest photo gallery featuring Fairy Creek, the last unlogged old-growth valley on southern Vancouver Island (outside of parks) near Port Renfrew in Pacheedaht territory that’s at-risk of future logging by Teal Jones:
https://16.52.162.165/photos/fairy-creek-headwaters/

BC’s ninth-widest known yellow cedar in the at-risk headwaters of the Fairy Creek Valley near Port Renfrew.

Announcing Celina Starnes as AFA’s New Board Chair

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The AFA is pleased to announce Celina Starnes has been appointed as the new Chair of the AFA Board of Directors.

After joining the board in 2019, Celina assumed the role of Chair in April, taking over from AFA co-founder and former executive director, Ken Wu, who will remain as a board member at large as he dedicates more time to his new organization, the Endangered Ecosystems Alliance.

With a life-long dedication to protecting diverse ecosystems, a passion for coaching and capacity building, and her experience as Special Events Coordinator at Metro Vancouver and previously as Public Education & Manager at the Stanley Park Ecology Society, Celina brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the board.

We’re hugely grateful to Celina for her dedication to protecting ancient forests and are looking forward to working with her in her new role as Chair!