Announcements

A new organization has recently emerged in the world of BC’s non-profit environmental community: the Ancient Forest Alliance. Founded in January 2010 by former Wilderness Committee activists, the new organization seeks to continue the grassroots education and mobilization campaigns to protect old-growth forests, but with a new twist: without charitable status, which will enable the organization to get more political in its criticisms or endorsements of politicians. This will become a great motivator for the BC government and all political parties to embrace a conservation agenda to protect the disappearing ancient forests of Vancouver Island and southern British Columbia. In addition, the organization will be building broad-based support among First Nations, businesses, faith groups, scientists, and members of naturalist clubs for ancient forest protection.

Sunday, April 25 - Nature/ Old-Growth Walk in Mount Douglas Park: Oak Bay-Gordon Heads’ Old Growth in its Own Backyard Thursday, April 29 – Vancouver Island’s Biggest Trees and Biggest Stumps – Launch Presentation of the new Oak Bay – Gordon Head Ancient Forest Committee Saturday, May 1st – Lower Mainland Old-Growth Hike up Sumas Mountain (near Abbotsford at Whatcom Road Exit)

The Ancient Forest Alliance – BC’s newest major grassroots environmental group founded just 3 months ago – needs your support GREATLY. We launched a fundraising campaign on March 22, with a goal of raising $20,000 by June 21. So far, over 120 generous individuals have contributed over $7000. THANK YOU for your generous support!

Slideshow of the Avatar Grove, San Juan Spruce, and Red Creek Fir Wednesday April 21 2:00 pm Coastal Kitchen Cafe (17245 Parkinson Rd.), Port Renfrew

1. SAVE the NANOOSE BAY FOREST! Logging imminent... 2. Wed.,Apr.21 - Slideshow in Port Renfrew (Coastal Kitchen Cafe, 2 pm): Avatar Grove, Red Creek Fir, San Juan Spruce 3. FUNDRAISING DRIVE - $4000 raised so far – help us sustain our NEW organization! We really need YOUR help to reach our fundraising target of $10,000 by Earth Day! (April 22)

This video was made by Langara journalism students Linnaea and Jackie of the Avatar Rally to Save BC's Ancient Forests and Forestry Jobs hosted by the Ancient Forest Alliance and Point Grey Ancient Forest Committee on Saturday March 27, 2010.

It didn't take long for environmentalists to tap into James Cameron's massively successful Avatar for a creative boost to their rallies.

If the northern spotted owl is healthy, it's a good sign that the old-growth forests where it lives are healthy. Unfortunately, the spotted owl is not doing well in British Columbia, the only place it lives in Canada. Only six of the beautiful brown-eyed birds remain here.

Send a message to the BC Liberal government that they need to protect our ancient forests, ensure the sustainable logging of second-growth forests, and ban raw log exports to protect forestry jobs! Vancouver, BC 12:00 NOON - Meet at Canada Place (closest Skytrain is Waterfront Station) 12:30pm - Begin march to Vancouver Art Gallery with the lively "Carnival Band". 1:00 pm - Arrive at Vancouver Art Gallery-Georgia Street side: Speeches by Judith Sayers (former Chief of the Hupacasath First Nation), Ken Wu (Ancient Forest Alliance Co-founder), Jens Wieting (Sierra Club of BC Forest Campaigner), and Stephanie Goodwin (Greenpeace)!