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BC defers old-growth harvesting in Fairy Creek, Walbran areas

At the request of the Pacheedaht, Ditidaht and Huu-ay-aht First Nations, the government of B.C. recently announced it is deferring old-growth harvesting in the Fairy Creek watershed and Walbran areas in their territories.

The three First Nations issued the Hišuk ma c̕awak Declaration on June 7, 2021 asking the B.c. government to defer old-growth logging in their territories.

The deferrals will stop old-growth logging in the Fairy Creek watershed and central Walbran area (more than 2,000 hectares) and will last for two years, during which time the First Nations will build their resource-stewardship plans for the areas.

“Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and protecting the environment are top priorities for our government. We believe they must go hand in hand,” said B.C. Premier John Horgan in a statement. “That’s why we’re pleased to approve the request from three First Nations to defer old-growth logging on their territory — including in the Fairy Creek watershed. The first step in protecting old growth must be respecting Indigenous peoples’ land-management rights in their territories.”