Rainforest Solutions Project

Promoting conservation and economic alternatives in British Columbia's Great Bear Rainforest

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BC Puts Off Logging in ‘Spirit Bear’ Forest for a Year

June 26, 2003

(Victoria, BC) – There will be no logging in so-called Great Bear rainforest for another year as the B.C. government has extended its current moratorium until June 30, 2004.

That gives the government a chance to work out a deal to preserve large parts of the Central Coast.

Sustainable resource management minister Stan Hagen says the government still has to complete a land use planning process this year.

Twenty areas of the Central Coast have interim protected status and logging has also been deferred in another 17 ‘option’ areas.

That’s a relief for one young Vancouver man who’s working to preserve enough of B.C.‘s central coast to ensure the rare white ‘Spirit’ bears survive. “I think it’s a great day for the spirit bear and a great day for BCians,” said Simon Jackson, director of the Spirit Bear Youth Coalition. “..And a great day for everybody in the world who cares about the future of this amazing global treasure.”

Jackson says it’s critical that land be protected as well, but is confident success is in sight.