On Monday, 29 May, 1995, the international coalition of groups
working to save Clayoquot Sound celebrated the recommendations of
the Scientific Panel which called to an end to the highly
controversial clearcutting of Clayoquot. Now we need your help to
get these recommendations implemented. We have until June 30 to
make our voices heard by writing to the Premier of British Columbia
(a sample letter is attached below).
The best minds in the field have agreed: the scientists have now
added their voice to the call from environmentalists, First
Nations, and the general public- the B.C. government must stop
MacMillan Bloedel's and Interfor's clearcutting in Clayoquot.
Since the April 13, 1993 decision by the B.C. government to allow
widespread clearcutting in one of the last large areas of ancient
temperate rainforest in the world, Clayoquot Sound has been at the
center of international scrutiny and protest. In order to head off
the protests, which began in Europe and more recently spread to the
United States, the government set up an independent Scientific
Panel comprised of "blue-ribbon" scientists and First Nations
representatives.
Highlights from the Scientific Panel's report include....
- reserves (no logging) must be designated to protect hydroriparian
(river-drainage) ecosystems, unstable slopes, endangered and
threatened species, cultural, scenic and recreational values.
Reserves must represent all ecosystems and ensure linkages among
other planning areas.
- co-management of Clayoquot must be based on equal partnership
between the Nuu-chah-nulth and the Province of British Columbia.
- standards for forest practice must incorporate traditional
ecological knowledge.
- replace conventional silvicultural systems in Clayoquot Sound
with a "variable-retention silviculture system" (i.e.- eliminate
clearcutting!!). The purpose of this system is to preserve, in
managed stands, far more of the characteristics of natural forests.
- limit the area cut in any watershed larger than 1200 in total
area to no more than 5% of the watershed area within a five-year
period, with no further harvesting in watersheds already 20%
harvested in the last 10 years.
- on cutting units with significant values for resources other than
timber (e.g. visual, cultural ecological); retain AT LEAST 70% OF
THE FOREST in relatively uniform distribution.
- phase in the variable-retention silvicultural system in Clayoquot
Sound over a five-year period.
- roads and landings - to be determined on a watershed level, but
no more than 5% of landbase.
The Scientific Panel's vision stresses ecological relationships
before development objectives, while recognizing that environmental
protection and economic development are mutually dependent. It also
details just how important the international pressure has
been..."Canada is extremely sensitive to international actions such
as consumer boycotts, "green consumerism", or"eco-labelling" of
wood products. Forces from within and outside the country are
working to ensure that Canadian forests - and their many values -
are sustained." That's us they're talking about, so let's keep
the pressure on and save Clayoquot Sound.
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SAMPLE DRAFT LETTER TO THE B.C. PREMIER
The Honorable Michael Harcourt
Premier of British Columbia
Parliament Buildings
Victoria, B.C. V8V 1X4
Fax: (604) 387-0087
Dear Premier Harcourt,
I am writing to commend you for the integrity and foresight you
have displayed in establishing the Clayoquot Sound Scientific Panel
and in inviting scientists of such caliber to participate in
shaping the future of forestry in Clayoquot Sound.
Along with my thanks, I urge you to immediately implement the
complete recommendations of the Panel as the minimum acceptable
standards for Clayoquot Sound. The final reports have been eagerly
awaited both here in the United States and around the world, where
Clayoquot Sound has become a major environmental issue. My concern
over Clayoquot Sound will not be satisfied until truly cutting-edge
forestry has been implemented on the ground, including the
protection of large reserves in the form of the intact watersheds,
and there is full participation by the Nuu-chah-nulth peoples in
co-managing their traditional territories.
As you know the international environmental and business
communities have eagerly awaited this report. I respectfully
request that your government follow the course it has embarked upon
with the establishment of this panel and to initiate a series of
periodic progress evaluations by the panel members. I further urge
you to avoid future conflict over Clayoqout Sound and to waste no
time in fully accepting the Panel's recommendations and ensuring a
short implementation period.
Sincerely,
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cc: Clayoquot Sound Central Region Board members
FAX: (604)725-3179