Old Growth Logging in Clayoquot "Destroying Shark Creek"

Old Growth Logging Near Sulphur Pass in Clayoquot Sound

by Tribal Fire

These pictures were taken three days ago. The large old growth trees are being stockpiled and the land is drying out from the intense drought and winds taking place here on the coast. Shark Creek watershed is being destroyed. The logging is being contracted out to a company from Prince Rupert with only one permanent First Nations person working for Iisaak, Spencer Touchie from Ucluelet.

We do not support the plans for the ongoing commercial logging of old growth forests from Clayoquot Sound by Iisaak.

The following are some of the reasons for this:

1. Whole logs are being exported from Clayoquot Sound without processing here into lumber, nor are they being sold in this area for local purposes.

2. Old growth forests are endangered and very little remains of this unique ecosystem anywhere in the world at present.

3. Climate change is being exacerbated by the ongoing massive destruction of forests which sequester Carbon Dioxide. This is a most serious situation globally and we are experiencing the effects of this from drought and extreme weather in this area as well.

4. Old growth forests maintain watershed protection and hold moisture to ensure waterways are always flowing. Humans are not the only ones who require flowing rivers and streams.

5. These forests provide unique biodiversity that has hardly been studied enough to know what it maintains and ensures for the future. Many species depend upon it's integrity for nesting, forage, protection and survival.

6. Erosion due to logging in coastal areas where harsh weather conditions and heavy rains and winds from the ocean are a given. Landslides and siltation, blowdown and loss of soil cover are found especially in areas where these ancient forests have been disturbed.

7. These forests are a once only wonder of the world and once gone, they will never be again, have we lost our appreciation of a sense of wonder, especially for our children and grandchildren?

8. Species such as wild salmon, bears, cougar, marbled murrelets, eagles, herons, osprey, giant salamanders,
elk, deer, and many species of insects, mosses, lichens, ferns and a myriad of other plant, animal and bird life need these forests for survival.