Friends of Clayoquot Sound


ACTION ALERT
— January 2012

Help protect Clayoquot’s remaining ancient forest

Flores Island valley

Last year, the BC government approved Iisaak Forest Resources’ permits for helicopter log-drop zones in the waters off the east side of Flores Island. Iisaak also received a road-building permit, which allows them to blast a road into Flores’ ancient forest. This road building has not begun yet. In December, Iisaak began applying to the BC government for a cut permit for heli-logging on Flores Island, although they have not yet submitted the full application.

The logging company is now applying for two more "helicopter log-drop zones” in the waters off the east side of Flores. Iisaak would use the drop zones in their heli-logging operation. A helicopter would pick up trees logged on Flores Island, and drop them into the ocean; the logs would then be barged to sawmills and pulp mills.

Flores Island is part of the remaining intact rainforest of Clayoquot Sound, which forms the only large area of undisturbed rainforest left on Vancouver Island. Flores, Clayoquot’s largest island, is a wilderness gem and contains some of the densest stands of big trees in Canada and the world. Wolves and bears roam Flores; salmon spawn in its streams; the waters around the island are rich with marine life, including several species of whale.

Your letter will make a difference!

The helicopter log-drop application is open for public input until Feb 19, 2012. It provides an opportunity for you to tell the BC government that you want to see the remaining ancient rainforest of Clayoquot Sound, including Flores Island, protected.

Thank you!

Send your letter to:

Lands Officer--South Island Forest District
<Forests.SouthIslandDistrictOffice@gov.bc.ca>

Here’s a sample letter:

Re: File #1413494, Iisaak Forest Resources application for log handling/storage in Millar Channel off Flores Island

I request that you deny Iisaak’s Flores Island heli-drop application because of the ecological damage the log drop/storage zone could cause to the sensitive near-shore environment off Flores Island. It could also pose a hazard to whales and other marine life, as well as to boat traffic in Millar Channel.

Additionally, I ask that you not issue any cut or road permits for Flores Island or for any of Clayoquot Sound’s intact temperate rainforest valleys.

Instead, I urge you to support solutions for protection, like conservation financing currently being pursued by environmental organizations and local First Nations.

Your name
Your address, including postal code

Please also cc to:

Steve Thomson--Minister of Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations <FLNR.Minister@gov.bc.ca>,
Doug Konkin--Deputy Minister of Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations <doug.konkin@gov.bc.ca>,
Norm Macdonald--NDP Forestry Critic <Norm.Macdonald.MLA@leg.bc.ca>,
Premier Christy Clark <premier@gov.bc.ca>

Thanks for acting to preserve Clayoquot's irreplaceable ancient forests!
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Friends of Clayoquot Sound
PO Box 489, 331 Neill St., Tofino BC   V0R 2Z0
250-725-4218     info@focs.ca