Victoria, BC, Februrary 22, 2013 – “Protect Old-Growth Forests, Sustainably Log Second-Growth Forests, and End Raw Log Exports.” *** Please SEND a MESSAGE to BC’s politicians to confirm your attendance – or your solidarity if you can’t make it – through the website: http://www.bcforestmovement.com/
Saturday, March 16, 2013
11:30 am Meet at Centennial Square, then begin march with drumming band
12:00 noon Rally with speeches begins at BC Legislative Buildings
1:00 pm Thousands join hands to encircle government in “Ring-Around-the-Legislature” end to rally
Join this “Families for Our Forests” event: Small Animals Parade! Ring-Around-the-Legislature! Speeches! Masala Marching Band!
Two months before a BC election, join THOUSANDS of conservationists, forestry workers, First Nations, business owners, children, parents, seniors, students, and concerned citizens in demanding that the BC Liberal government and the NDP opposition commit to a plan that will protect BC’s endangered old-growth forests and forestry jobs – and finally bring an end to BC’s “War in the Woods”.
The continued support of the BC government for the status quo of unsustainable resource depletion and raw log exports has caused the increasing collapse of native ecosystems and rural communities.
75% of Vancouver Island’s original ancient forests have already been logged, including 90% of the valley bottoms where the largest trees grow. BC’s old-growth forests are vital to support endangered species, tourism, the climate, clean water, wild salmon, and many First Nations cultures. See spectacular images and videos of BC’s old-growth forests at: http://www.ancientforestalliance.org/
Help ensure a sustainable, value-added, second-growth forest industry that keeps the logs in the province to support BC forestry jobs! Support First Nations land use plans calling for the protection of old-growth forests!
KIDS! Take part in the “Small Animals Parade” dressed as Marmots, Owls, Murrelets, Bears, Wolves, Cougars, Salmon, or mini-Sasquatch! Get your face painted as a small animal at the rally!
Speakers include:
Robert Morales – Chief Treaty Negotiator, Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group
Joe Martin – Tla-o-qui-aht canoe carver, band councillor, original Meares Island protest organizer
Gisele Martin – Tla-o-qui-aht business operator and cultural educator
Jon Cash – Vice President, Chamber of Commerce of Port Renfrew
Arnold Bercov – President, Pulp, Paper, and Woodworkers of Canada (PPWC) union – Local 8
Ken James – President, Youbou TimberLess Society
Valerie Langer –BC Forest Campaign Director, ForestEthics
Jens Wieting – Coastal Forest Campaigner, Sierra Club of BC
Vicky Husband – BC Conservationist, Order of BC recipient
TJ Watt – Forest Campaigner, Ancient Forest Alliance
Ken Wu – Executive Director, Ancient Forest Alliance
Help hold BC’s politicians responsible for the future of beautiful British Columbia!
Sign our online petition at: http://www.ancientforestpetition.com/
Organized by the Ancient Forest Alliance http://www.ancientforestalliance.org/