"If you wanna see real change, you're gonna have to stand up for it."
- Old growth protector at roadblock camp
Old growth forest protectors are standing up for big trees near Port Renfrew (Big Tree Capital of Canada) and blockading the construction of new logging roads into Fairy Creek Valley, the last pristine valley outside of a park on southern Vancouver Island.
In a saner world we would not allow the destruction of such a treasure on Vancouver Island's south coast. But we don't live in a sane world.
Yet.
When those that work for us in government fail in their responsibility to protect what is collectively ours, it is up to us to be the real stewards of the land, and protect its inherent right to be.
If our public servants in government won't speak for a voiceless and defenceless nature, we have to.
Case in point is what is happening outside of Port Renfrew, town to an area long known for its (disappearing) big trees. There, just a few kilometres outside of town, Teal Jones is hacking through previously unhacked forest on their way to get to a pristine valley of big, ancient trees.
The valley contains an ancient forest that has existed, relatively unchanged, since the last ice age, 10,000 years ago. It is a unique, irreplaceable ecosystem.
Some of the ancient yellow cedars there could be upwards of 2000 years old.
Cutting trees that old in 2020, when we know better, should be an obvious crime against nature, and all around excellent example of the ongoing ecocide currently plaguing our planet.
Show me nature that has been preserved and protected from industrial butchery, and I will show you a scrappy, dedicated group of caring people that put their bodies on the line to do what is right.
It was such citizen groups dedicated to direct action that saved places like Clayoquot, Elaho, Stein Valley, Carmanah, Strathcona Park, and so many more beautiful places.
Respect, and a heartfelt thanks, to everyone on the Fairy Valley logging road blockades.
We appreciate you standing up for some of the last remaining old growth on south Vancouver Island.
We support you 100%.
Thanks to a higher power for people like you
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