Julia Caranci, Canwest
PORT ALBERNI — Protesters are threatening to interfere with operations near
the border of Cathedral Grove Park using non-violent means. But some
reports suggest plans to log 7,500 cubic metres — or about 200 logging
trucks full — of old-growth forest could be on hold for the moment.
Several
protests have taken place over the last several days following Island
Timberland’s announcement the company will log a section of old growth
forest located near the border of Cathedral Grove Park. One method of
interference that may be used involves slipping into an area being
logged, announcing one’s presence, and disappearing again. Protesters
say fallers are required for safety to stop work if unauthorized people
are in the area.
Yesterday morning, contractors working for
Island Timberlands were met by members of Friends of Cathedral Grove.
According to Richard Boyce, a documentary film maker who has been
following the protests, the falling crew told protesters they would not
be logging that day and returned to Port Alberni.
Seamus McCormack represents a loose collection of activists working in tandem with FROG and Western Canada Wilderness Committee.
He stressed any protests will be non-violent in nature, adding he wasn’t aware of any “tree-sits” being planned.
Annette
Tanner, WCWC mid-Island campaigner said there have been no signs yet
that logging is underway. She believes the area in question is a parcel
south of Cameron Lake.
Tanner said protesters want to negotiate with someone at IT’s head office.
Filed under: BC, Canada, Cathedral Grove, Vancouver Island
