This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Friday, 10 September 2021
War in the Woods: Round 2
In 1993, the original Canadian 'War in the Woods' involved activists attempting to prevent the logging of ancient trees. War has, however, broken out again in the Fairy Creek watershed of Vancouver Island (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/sep/08/canada-logging-protest-vancouver-island). Only small pockets of ancient Red cedar; Douglas fir and Sitka spruce remain in Fairy Creek. Demonstrators, even in the time of Covid19, have gathered to use direct action to prevent logging. Since April, more than 850 protestors have been arrested in this area of Vancouver Island by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). This is claimed to be the biggest act of civil disobedience seen in Canada. As one might predict, there have been allegations that the RCMP have sometimes acted illegally (not wearing identification and excluding press from the area) and have occassionally been brutal in their actions (ripping off facemasks and pepper spraying protestors). The situation is further complicated by disagreements within First Nation communities in the area. Some of their representatives appear keen to share revenues agreed with a logging company. They demand that the demonstrators leave. Others (amongst the activists), say that this logging of ancient forest, does not reflect the wishes of their community. Once, however, the trees are gone, they will be gone. Loggers like to crop rapidly-growing trees as quickly as possible. Ancient isn't allowed?
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