Pictured here are the at-risk ancient forests along the ridgeline of Bugaboo Creek near Port Renfrew in Pacheedaht territory. Large red and yellow cedars, along with hemlock and amabilis fir, abound. Trilliums, berry bushes, and hellebore carpet the forest floor where animal trails from bear, deer, and cougar wind through.
Teal-Jones has approved road permits in this forest, the construction of which was partially completed before being blocked by independent activists but could resume soon. Though no cutting permits have yet been issued, “falling boundary” flagging tape can be seen throughout the forest, which falls outside the recently announced deferral areas, leaving it open for logging.
Old-growth forests like these develop over many centuries and are one of our greatest allies in combating the global climate and biodiversity crisis and must be protected.
