Old-growth logging activists defend use of second-growth trees to form blockade at Fairy Creek
Activists calling for an end to old-growth logging in B.C. are defending their use of second-growth trees that were reportedly felled to form a blockade in the Fairy Creek watershed area of Vancouver Island on Saturday.
Over the weekend, RCMP accused protesters of cutting down 18 living tees to lay across a logging road to prevent vehicles from driving into the watershed.
That same day, 16 people were arrested, 15 for obstruction and one for civil contempt of court for breaching the injunction, said police.
On Monday, activists with the Rainforest Flying Squad said that the use of second-growth trees to make the blockade was minimal compared to the amount of trees that are cut down to accommodate old-growth logging.
Protesters say that a significant amount of second-growth is cut down to create logging roads to old-growth cutblocks, and even more are felled around the sites themselves.
"They’re (the activists) only cutting on the right-of-way, which will be cut again anyway. That's common practice," said Bill Jones, an Elder with the Pacheedaht First Nation who supports old-growth logging protests in a statement Monday.
"It’s not really something to make a mountain out of. It’s not a threat to the ecology. It’s okay with me," he said. "There’s miles and miles of second-growth on rights-of-way that’s simply mowed down."
On Saturday, RCMP said they were concerned about wildfire dangers after one protester was reportedly seen smoking a cigarette at the top of a tripod structure.
Members of the Rainforest Flying Squad say they are aware of fire risks and have been using a "strict fire safety protocol" for roughly a month. The activists say they're re-emphasizing the importance of the fire safety protocol, while noting that regular logging activities also create their own fire risks.
"I don’t pretend that the Pacheedaht or any mankind owns the old-growth," said Jones. "I feel the-old growth belongs to the Great Mother and it’s our duty -- and all our duty -- to protect and care for it."
Nearly 500 people have been arrested on Vancouver Island since RCMP began enforcing an injunction against old-growth logging blockades in May.
As of Saturday, 494 people have been arrested, including at least 28 people who have been arrested more than once, according to RCMP.
While Pacheedaht Elder Jones has been supporting protesters in the area, elected Pacheedaht officials have repeatedly called for activists to leave the area, saying that the Nation expects its rights over its land and stewardship responsibilities to be respected.
In June, a group of three Vancouver Island First Nations and the province agreed to a two-year deferral of old-growth logging in large sections of the Fairy Creek watershed and central Walbran valley.
Protesters say that more has to be done, however, and are calling for the protection of all B.C. old-growth forests in perpetuity.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Anything to win': Trudeau says as Poilievre defends meeting protesters
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is accusing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre of welcoming 'the support of conspiracy theorists and extremists,' after the Conservative leader was photographed meeting with protesters, which his office has defended.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
7 surveillance videos linked to extortions of South Asian home builders in Edmonton released
The Edmonton Police Service has released a number of surveillance videos related to a series of extortion cases in the city now dubbed 'Project Gaslight.'
Ukraine uses long-range missiles secretly provided by U.S. to hit Russian-held areas, officials say
Ukraine for the first time has begun using long-range ballistic missiles provided secretly by the United States, bombing a Russian military airfield in Crimea last week and Russian forces in another occupied area overnight, American officials said Wednesday.
Pilot reported fire onboard plane carrying fuel, attempted to return to Fairbanks just before crash
One of the two pilots aboard an airplane carrying fuel reported there was a fire on the airplane shortly before it crashed and burned outside Fairbanks, killing both people on board, a federal aviation official said Wednesday.
Manitoba government tables bill to end ban on homegrown recreational cannabis
Manitoba is planning to lift its ban on the home growing of recreational cannabis.