Nanoose Bay Forest Old Growth Logging

Big Douglas-firs of Nanoose Bay Forest, photo: TJ Watt, TimesColonist

The Nanoose Bay Forest, also known as District Lot 33 by the BC government, is a mixed stand of giant old-growth and smaller second-growth trees in an area that was partially logged about a hundred years ago. Today this publicly owned, endangered Coastal Douglas-fir forest on central Vancouver Island is being decimated by logging that is in no one's interest.


The provincial government says that this forest is not of a high enough quality to qualify for protection. However, in an endangered ecosystem where only 1% is left in its natural state, you would think that any undeveloped forest would be a likely candidate for protection. 

By the governments own admission, the Coastal Douglas Fir ecosystem is among the top four most endangered ecosystems in Canada, the others being Manitoba’s Tallgrass Prairie, southern Ontario’s Carolinian Forest, and BC’s “Pocket Desert” near Osoyoos.  

Work done in DL 33 before protesters
halted logging

The province has had ample opportunity to protect the Nanoose Bay Forest because it (meaning 'we') already own the land. The importance of this threatened ecosystem has been voiced by a passionate and motivated public that has been pushing for protection for years. 

Still, the province refuses to do the right thing, which would be to arrange funding for First Nations to develop sustainable industries, and save the 200 - 300 year old Douglas-firs.


When logging equipment rolled into the forest and big trees started to fall, protesters did what the province refused to do - halt the logging operation. But the forest occupation was short-lived as the band received a court injunction and enforcement order last Monday, so work recommenced.


The First Nations logging company cutting in the Nanoose Bay Forest says they will receive about $750,000 dollars from the proceeds of harvesting 15,000 cubic metres from a 64-hectare patch of the endangered old-growth coastal Douglas fir forest.

Economic development is important, but not when it is destructive and unsustainable. Surely there are better solutions than pushing an entire ecosystem, and its untold riches, closer to extinction.

Enjoying nature in the Nanoose Bay Forest, photo: Wilderness Committee

Timberwest has signed a contract to purchase the logs from DL 33. The company is certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) which "helps customers source responsibly managed forest products".

 The following is from the Timberwest website:

We demonstrate our commitment to the environment by:

• ensuring our forestry practices meet or exceed environmental standards, laws and regulations
• obtaining and maintaining sustainable forest practices certification from national and international agencies that are the recognized monitors of such practices
• acknowledging that environmental protection is a condition of our social license to operate

Contact Information

TimberWest Forest Corp.
Third Floor,
856 Homer Street
Vancouver, BC 
Canada V6B 2W5
Phone: (604) 654-4600
Fax: (604) 654-4571 

Elected Officials

Members of the Legislative Assembly of B.C.
CLICK HERE to find your local MLA's contact addresses

Hon. Christy Clark, Premier PO Box 9041 Stn.Prov.Gov. Victoria, BC V8W 9E1 Phone: 250-387-1715 Fax: 250-387-0087 premier@gov.bc.ca

Hon. Dr.Terry Lake Minister of Environment Room 112 Parliament Buildings Victoria, BC V8V 1X4 Phone: 250-387-1187 Fax: 250-387-1356 terry.lake.mla@leg.bc.ca

Hon. Steve Thomson Minister of Forests, Lands & Natural Resource Operations Room 248 Parliament Buildings Victoria, BC V8V 1X4 Phone: 250-387-6240 Fax: 250-387-1040 steve.thomson.mla@leg.bc.ca

Hon. Mary Polak Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Room 325 Parliament Buildings Victoria, BC V8V 1X4 Phone:250-953-4844 Fax:250-953-4856 mary.polak.mla@leg.bc.ca

Dr. James Lunney, MP Nanaimo-Alberni #6 - 6894 Island Hwy. North, Nanaimo, BC V9V 1P6 Phone: 250-390-7550 Toll Free: 866-390-7550 Fax: 250-390-7551 mailto:nanaimo@jameslunneymp.ca

Mr. Ron Cantelon, MLA Parksville-Qualicum 501 Turner Road Nanaimo, BC V9T 6J4 Phone: 250-951-6018 Fax: 250-951-6020 ron.cantelon.mla@leg.bc.ca