FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Sierra Club BC welcomes today’s announcement from the B.C. Ministry of Forests about extending the Ada’itsx (Fairy Creek) watershed logging deferral, which was set to expire February 1, to September 2026. The extra time will allow the Pacheedaht Nation to continue their resource management planning process that is already underway.

“We hope that long-term plans will enable protection of the watershed and the adjacent old-growth forests. The watershed has outstanding conservation values and has inspired countless people in B.C. to speak out for the protection of old-growth forests across the province.

“Today’s announcement has the potential to be a milestone on the path to long-term solutions for old growth in B.C. We encourage the B.C. government to use this moment as a kickstart towards prioritizing support for First Nations looking to defer remaining at-risk old-growth forests in their territories.

“This could be the beginning of a new chapter for the reelected B.C. government, one in which we work together to create change on the ground for old growth and biodiversity and make progress towards protecting 30 percent of the lands in British Columbia by 2030.”

-30-