The Carmanah Forestry Society has had a proud history of protecting and preserving the environment. Read about some of the tasks we have accomplished throughout our campaigns …

Since 1988, volunteers of the Carmanah Forestry Society have explored, cut and maintained trails in significant forests and wilderness areas throughout Southern Vancouver Island. Our goals has been to provide safe, easy access to the giant trees and spectacular rainforests within this natural wonderland. Our campaigns are targeted to protect areas with endangered species or habitat or with exceptional recreational values and our adventure tours provide a first-hand educational experience concerning areas worthy of protection. In town, we have organized events critiqued industry and government planning documents, attended planning workshops and have been a vigilant watchdog, continually arguing for public participation in forest management and for better forestry practices. We oppose policies and activities, which degrade the natural function, diversity and very existence of our public rainforests.

Land Preservation

CFS was instrumental in exploring, building trails into and promoting the Walbran Valley where, to this date, 9,500 hectares have been protected. In company with other conservation groups, we worked to secure the protection of the 6,500-hectare Carmanah Valley. Our lobby efforts resulted in “Special Management Zone” status for 2,600 hectares in the Walbran Valley and an additional 24,900 hectares in the Nahmint. Unfortunately, inadequate government policies and practices have meant that the lofty intentions of “Special Management” have not nearly been achieved.

Selective Logging

CFS has continued our task of overseeing logging company activities in the Southern Vancouver Island region. Specifically, we persuaded Weyerhaeuser to log gently in the Hadikin Lake, Carmanah-Walbran region, especially areas within the Special Management Zone. This four year campaign has involved extensive communication and various aerial and land based viewing of contentious areas. Hadikin Lake saw the cutting of Giant Sitka Spruce reduced to seven from the original 30 out of 65 marked trees, effectively rescuing that ecosystem. We have built a trail from this pristine lake into the heart of the logging area, with 60 trees numbered in Blue Paint.

Road Reduction

In the East Walbran, we were able to convince Weyerhaeuser to reduce the road width into block 6825 to 40 feet rather than the standard 66 feet. We also persuaded them to selectively log rather than clearcut the huge trees. They practiced corridor logging, and some truly selective practices. Our plans are to build a hiking trail through this area so that we can see firsthand how the ingredients of an old growth forest such as fungi and mushrooms will survive.

Comparatively, it is a relatively soft footprint when we look at the rest of the area, but ultimately come and see 6825 and Hadikin Lake on one of our tours and let us know what you think.