Peace and Environment News* November 1993
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Peace and Environment News * November 1993 |
by Luke Moore
 Reading the injunction at Clayoquot Sound protest. Photo: Luke Moore. |
Over the past summer, the Kennedy River Bridge entrance to logging operations on Clayoquot Sound became the site of one of the largest civil disobedience campaigns in Canadian history.
The protest followed the B.C. government's decision on April 13 to allow MacMillan Bloedel to proceed with a harvesting plan that will see the eventual cutting of another 51 percent of the area's old-growth forest. The B.C. government, perhaps coincidentally, is the largest single shareholder in MacBlo. Twenty-three percent of the forest has already been harvested.
Although industry refers to logging as "general integrated management," and there is a lot of rhetoric about improved forestry practices, large scale forest management remains environmentally unsound. If there is any improvement, it is that the future clearcuts will be smaller. Since the government decision, a brand-new 125 hectare clearcut graces the side of a mountain visible from the Kennedy River Bridge.
The forest around Clayoquot Sound is one of the largest remaining stands of old-growth forest in North America. This is an irreplaceable cradle of rainforest biodiversity, and it can only be saved if the government will reverse its decision.
Peace camp established
To press for that reversal, a peace camp was set up by the Friends of Clayoquot Sound (FOCS), a Tofino-based environmental group which has fought for the protection of the forests for fourteen years. The camp served as a base for protesters, who blockaded the Kennedy River Bridge until the camp was closed down Oct. 4.
The daily routine at the camp involved rising at 3:45 A.M. to reach the bridge by 5 A.M. to await the arrival of the first logging trucks. The first truck always held an injunction reader and cameramen from MacMillan Bloedel, who would tape everyone participating. This was partly for use in court and partly to intimidate those taking part.
The court injunction prohibiting the blocking of the road would then be read, warning people that they could be arrested if they stayed on the road. Those who chose to stay were then arrested by the RCMP and taken by bus to Ucluelet. Ironically, the sign on the side of the bus read "Forest Tours."
The road and forests are on public land to which MacMillan Bloedel was granted a Tree Farm licence several decades ago. The fact that the area is claimed by the Nuu-Cha-Nulth people and has never been ceded by treaty has apparently not been considered relevant by the government or courts.
All those participating in the blockade were asked to abide by a code of non-violence. There were very few confrontations, and the peaceful nature of the protests resulted in a very good relationship between protest organizers and police.
Pro-loggers approached
Members of Share BC, a pro-industry group which supports logging, would be on hand many mornings. Efforts were made to explain to them that it is mechanization and the export of raw logs that have dramatically reduced the numbers of jobs in the woods. They were urged to consider the benefits of sustainable eco-forestry and secondary processing that could do more to create jobs in Ucluelet and Port Alberni than clearcutting around Clayoquot Sound. But the Share people, who wore yellow ribbons as their symbol, instead seemed to want to take out on the protesters their frustration over years of mistreatment by forest companies.
Cooperative spirit
One of the most impressive things about the peace camp was the sense of unity and love among so many people from widely differing backgrounds. Discussion circles each morning and evening provided an opportunity for input and suggestions. Decisions were made by consensus, even though this was often a tedious and patience-trying process.
A communal kitchen was operated by volunteers, and there was never a shortage of donated food. The supportive atmosphere created a sense that the protest really was making a difference.
Protest to continue
Blockades will continue over the winter, but the peace camp has been closed so that FOCS can concentrate on an international pressure campaign. The camp could be set up again next summer if the government has not reversed its decision.
Nearly 800 people were arrested and charged with contempt of court for violating the injunction against blocking access to the logging sites. The first group to appear in court was sentenced to 45 days in jail and $1,500 each in fines. That sentence was immediately appealed.
One reason the judge imposed such heavy penalties was that the protesters showed no remorse and instead believe that the judicial system is being used to quell their challenge to the government decision.
For more information about the protest, or to make a donation, contact FOCS at Box 489, Tofino BC, V0R 2Z0, phone (604)725-4218 or fax (604)725-2527.
Luke Moore is a local resident who was at Clayoquot Sound this summer.
Converted February 6, 2001 - Lg
To follow up on this article, contact the author or the organizations/individuals mentioned; do not contact the Peace and Environment Resource Centre - we cannot provide follow up or contact information. This article is an archival copy of the printed one in the Peace and Environment News (PEN). Viewpoints expressed should not be taken to represent the opinions of the Peace and Environment Resource Centre, the PEN, or our supporters.
