Old-Growth Forest Activists Demand Action in Langford Rally
Environmental advocates gather outside provincial forests ministry urging government to fulfill 'paradigm shift' promise
Hundreds of old-growth forest advocates gathered outside the provincial forests ministry in Langford on Tuesday, demanding the government fulfill its promise of a "paradigm shift" in forestry management and take immediate action to protect remaining old-growth ecosystems.
Rally Highlights Ongoing Debate
The demonstration, organized by the Ancient Forest Alliance and supported by local environmental groups, drew approximately 300 participants from across Vancouver Island. Protesters carried signs reading "Protect Old Growth Now" and "Honor Indigenous Rights" as they marched from the Langford City Hall to the ministry offices.
"This government made a clear promise to implement a paradigm shift in how we manage our forests," said Ancient Forest Alliance campaigner Andrea Ingram. "Yet we continue to see old-growth logging permits being issued and critical ecosystems being destroyed."
Indigenous Voices Amplified
The rally featured powerful speeches from Indigenous leaders, including Pacheedaht First Nation elder Bill Jones, who emphasized the cultural and spiritual significance of old-growth forests to First Nations communities.
"These trees are our ancestors, our teachers, and our medicine," said Jones. "When we destroy old-growth forests, we're not just losing trees – we're losing our connection to the land and our cultural heritage."
Government Response
In response to the rally, Forests Minister Bruce Ralston issued a statement acknowledging the concerns raised by activists and Indigenous communities.
"We understand the urgency of this issue and are working to implement the recommendations from the Old Growth Strategic Review," said Ralston. "However, this is a complex process that requires careful consideration of all stakeholders, including forestry workers and communities that depend on the industry."
Economic Concerns vs. Environmental Protection
The debate over old-growth logging has become increasingly polarized, with forestry workers and industry representatives arguing that immediate cessation of old-growth logging would devastate local economies and communities.
"Many families in our region depend on forestry for their livelihoods," said Vancouver Island Logging Association president Dave Peterson. "We need a balanced approach that protects both jobs and the environment."
Scientific Evidence
Environmental scientists present at the rally highlighted recent research showing that old-growth forests are critical for biodiversity, carbon storage, and climate resilience.
"Old-growth forests store significantly more carbon than younger forests and provide habitat for countless species," said University of British Columbia forest ecologist Dr. Rachel Green. "Protecting these ecosystems is essential for addressing both the biodiversity and climate crises."
Call to Action
The rally concluded with a call for immediate action, including:
- Moratorium on logging in identified old-growth deferral areas
- Increased funding for Indigenous-led conservation initiatives
- Support for forestry workers transitioning to sustainable alternatives
- Implementation of the recommendations from the Old Growth Strategic Review
Next Steps
Organizers announced plans for additional demonstrations across Vancouver Island in the coming weeks, with the next major rally scheduled for Victoria's legislature grounds on February 1st.
"We won't stop until the government takes meaningful action to protect our remaining old-growth forests," said Ingram. "The time for talk is over – we need action now."
For more information about old-growth forest protection efforts on Vancouver Island, visit ancientforestalliance.org or contact local environmental organizations.