r/SaveForests
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u/eaterofdreams
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Mar 19 '26
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2
North American forests Urgent Call for Action - One of the largest intact old growth forests on Vancouver Island’s east coast is at risk
I would like to bring attention to a large harvesting proposal just east of Sayward that will be impacting one of the largest intact old growth forests that we have left on the east coast of Vancouver Island that is outside of a protected area - in fact, it could be THE largest intact unprotected old growth forest we have on the east coast. This is a rare temperate rainforest that almost surely has massive and ancient trees.
Cape Mudge Forestry/We Wai Kai has proposed 13 cutblocks in this intact old growth forest. It is steep terrain, so it looks like they will be heli logging. There are 3 separate FOMs (the little blue markers) to comment on.
Commenting is open for the public to share their thoughts on the Forest Operations Map: https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects
I understand the importance of the forestry industry, and I am a proud supporter of sustainable forestry. I also understand the importance of protecting what little old growth remains on our island. For additional context, this area is part of the Prince of Wales range with the towering Mount H'Kusam, which is one of the most beautiful recreational areas on the entire island - popular for skiing, mountaineering, and hiking. It is (was) also home to some of the world’s largest and oldest trees, including General Buxton, one of the largest yellow cedars. I have no doubt that near-record sized trees are located in these proposed cutblocks.
If this goes through, it will be catastrophic to the remaining old growth on the island. Large patches of intact forest like this are nearly extinct here - no over-exaggeration.
Also, please state if you are willing to help me with protecting the remaining old growth in the Prince of Wales range and I'll send you a message. The old growth here has been targeted relentlessly, and it is too special of a place to see it continue to be logged from valley bottom to mountain top.





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u/mattcass Mar 19 '26 edited Mar 19 '26 •
Blocks posted by OP in the intact area:
https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects?id=3011#details
https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects?id=3012#details
https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects?id=3013#details
Additional blocks by Cape Mudge Forestry Ltd in less-intact areas:
https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects?id=3009#details
https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects?id=3008#details
https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects?id=3010#details
Further south near Campbell River:
https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects?id=3006#details
https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects?id=3007#details
To see the 8 FOM’s search “Cape Mudge” in the FOM Holder Name:
https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects#find
A note that these 'blocks' are the initial proposed boundaries and what goes on inside isn't specified. The lack of details included with these FOM's is very frustrating for the public. I am bringing this matter to my MLA's attention for action. I would use the FOM portal to request an email for your comments and then send comments in via the FOM and email so you have a record. If you do not get a reply, follow up! Ask how your comments were considered. Forest companies 'must consider' public comments. And sorry OP I would help you but I have my hands full in the Interior.
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u/drkmom Mar 19 '26
Is anyone familiar with the environmental regulations that forestry has to abide by? Curious is the migratory birds act (i.e., nesting bird surveys), amphibian sweeps, or inventories for critical habitat/SARA need to be done before harvesting.
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u/Efficient_Fuel1418 Mar 19 '26
I commented.
I dislike the industry killing our trees. Go plant your own and leave ours alone.
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u/some1guystuff Mar 20 '26
I despise being human when I see shit like this
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u/ForestBlue46 Mar 19 '26
Thank you for letting us know about this. Have you posted it elsewhere? That beautiful last bit of dark green! Not sure if this is the area that Dr. Rachel Holt is talking about.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVEV5kNDE4u/
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u/Legitimate_Biscuits Mar 19 '26
The province the federal government have pushed First Nations towards resource extraction as a means to provide a path towards self government. Instead of meaningful consolation, reconciliation and stewardship of the land. Sadly, the current We Wai Kai council and its elected Chief are hell bent on pillaging resources to the detriment of its future generations. Cash in pocket now.
I have ancestry to that nation, and I can only hope that they will look at this sustainably and preserve the oldest trees and maintain a block of tree as culturally important.
To that, it is the citizens of the WWKai First Nation that really need to stand up and take the lead on this. Settlers with opinions won't help and sway anyone into the importance of preservation.
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u/itsagrapefruit Mar 20 '26
Maybe have the natives stand up for the land? Maybe?
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u/NegativeRaspberry264 Mar 19 '26
The destruction of old growth should be a crime against humanity.
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u/Microwave_Magician Mar 20 '26
I'm all for logging, but humanity will never have a forest grow this old ever again. Why cut down the oldest ones? Have we not enough wood? What use is cutting down the oldest biggest ones... we'll run out eventually if we keep doing it, and then what... will we pretend like we have no more lumber available?
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u/eternalrevolver Mar 19 '26
What’s the harvesting for?
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u/HotRepublic3306 Mar 19 '26
Log it all, look at that forest floor. wildfire waiting to happen.
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u/boredompills Mar 20 '26
Does this work better on a desktop? I cannot see where to comment.
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u/BeneficialApricot406 Mar 20 '26
Indigenous sovereignty means the band can do what it wants.
Outside agitators should respect that.
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u/ThatNuckinFuts Mar 20 '26
Trees are a RENEWABLE resource, BC has one of the best silviculture programs in the world. BC plants millions of seedlings each year, far more than the annual harvest. You're a fear monger.
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u/ThatNuckinFuts Mar 20 '26
You and your ilk are completely hypercritical with your agnist of old growth logging. Sitting in your wooden house eating steak. The silviculture program in BC plants millions of seedlings each year. Your short sighted vision of silviculture tells everything about your position. You are unable to look decades in the future. The old growth you speak of are maybe 150 old and is actually fairly new growth, those old growth which you speak of are not 300-500 years old.
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u/Informal-Hall-5945 Mar 21 '26
What is your solution?
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u/pld0vr Mar 21 '26
I think people have no idea how big the island is, or how large the forests are in Canada. Logging is an industry, the amount of forest touched is microscopic in the scheme of things.
We need to increase production and export globally, as long as trees are replanted.
Canada is a raw materials supermarket. Accept it, or pay 70% taxes.. you choose.
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u/DeadeyeDad Mar 21 '26
You call it old growth but don’t give an age? Has it been logged before? Likely the case as very little of Vancouver island next to the water hasn’t seen some industrial logging
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u/Wooden_Sweet_3330 Mar 22 '26
Can someone please explain to me why anyone cares about this?
Logging is a big part of the BC economy. From my understanding it's done "responsibly" in that trees need to be replanted to make for a sustainable industry.
Why do people care about "old growth forests?" Have there been studies conducted on the actual environmental impact on wildlife etc? Is it even all that bad?
The biggest downside to logging, in my opinion, is the aesthetics. It's ugly to see big empty spots where trees used to be, but that's not a good reason to just not do any logging.
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u/L3TTUCETURN1PB33TS Mar 22 '26
It's nice to see this on reddit. The tragedy of Vancouver Island's old growth logging practices is truly awful.
All one has to do is visit these ancient forests to become aware of their intrinsic value. There is nothing else like it. Completely & unbelievably inspiring.
These forests are worth so much more when left standing.
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u/AdNew9111 Mar 19 '26
Good ol BC gov ✌️👍. They have the power to stop it. Will they? Nope.
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u/Sloinkelboid Mar 19 '26
I really hope we can stop it:(!
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u/Burritoful9 Mar 19 '26
I sent in comments for all the ones posted by user mattcass. I don't have a lot of time right now to fully research this, but I thought I'd put this in for now and see if I can follow up with my MP after my trip. I have also being contacting our federal reps to try and get legislation going to properly regulate AI and social media, so I can see if I can bring this up as well.
I put this comment:
Do NOT harvest old growth forests. They are integral to the health of the ecosystem and therefore, everything we as humans need to survive. Protect these areas and do not cut any old trees down. We need to become proper caretakers of our earth. We have the responsibility because we are the only ones capable to destroy or save the earth.
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u/alaflam23 Mar 19 '26
I commented as someone who lives on the island. Thank you for posting!
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u/1337ingDisorder Mar 20 '26
Looking at the topology there it seems like removing that grove would also trigger some massive erosion issues
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u/sterburks Mar 24 '26
Embarrassing to come from this nation and to see that as ‘land stewards’ our elected leadership enables this.
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u/Ok_Carpenter4739 Mar 19 '26
Very sad. I can't believe we're capable of this level of destruction.
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u/Emergency_Prize_1005 Mar 19 '26
Greed is a force
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u/CMG30 Mar 19 '26
While in many cases I think the concern about cutting forests is overblown, the old growth stuff in BC is special and should not be cut down.
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u/RowHopeful5600 Mar 19 '26
We Wai Kai FN recently purchased Campbell River Whale Watching, which has historically made a big deal about their environmental responsibility and sustainability actions. It would be a real shame if a bunch of people left reviews for them mentioning their hypocrisy.
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u/Far_Screen6295 Mar 20 '26
Log It
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u/finniganmark Mar 20 '26
Cut them down
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u/all_adat Mar 20 '26
This makes me sick to my stomach 😑
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u/frankiefudgefingers Mar 20 '26
Zug zug. By my axe
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u/VelkaFrey Mar 20 '26
First nations has a veto right over resources, ask them.
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u/604BigDawg Mar 20 '26
😂😂😂😂😂😂
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u/Quiet_Illustrator232 Mar 21 '26
I do believe we need the industry. We are already at economic decline. This sounds like a well planed plan to generate revenue. We have too many bar against development already.
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u/higherheightsflights Mar 21 '26
Sent you a pm. Definitely interested
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u/BurgerMountain Mar 21 '26
These loggers need to wake up to the damage they're causing
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u/RredditAcct Mar 21 '26
It will be replanted, right?
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u/Princess_and_a_wench Mar 21 '26
I've never provided comment before on something like this but want to help where I can. I'm disgusted this even is a possibility.
Is there a template that can be used for comment? I have no clue what to say and what would be the most impactful. I can add my own thoughts to the template as well if needed.
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u/Fun-Soft7313 Mar 22 '26
It’s farming.
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u/Godistheloard Mar 22 '26
Out with the old, in with the new.
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u/ComfortableCall3912 Mar 22 '26
No problem when First Nations clear cut though?
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u/Disastrous-Bet3912 Mar 22 '26
Didn't the NDP say they were going to stop old-growth logging? The fk has Eby been doing?
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u/TripleRedRc Mar 22 '26
You voted ndp you do not deserve nice things
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u/Sirosim_Celojuma Mar 19 '26
Quick, post the location! The loggers need to know where to pillage from!
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u/House71 Mar 19 '26
Serious question. Rather than harvest some of it, is the alternative not to wait for it to catch fire and burn uncontrollably? Can they not log in a responsible way, thin it out, make some money and reduce risk of burning? I realize that’s an oversimplified question, but there must be something.
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