With the stroke of a pen, the next steps were taken Friday to protect the Ancient Forest from the swing of an axe.
Representatives from the province, Lheidli T'enneh First Nation and Caledonia Ramblers Hiking Society gathered at the Wood Innovation and Design Centre to sign an agreement formalizing their intent to work together on the next phase of what's needed to give the Ancient Forest some sort of official designation.
A public consultation process is the next step, said Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond.
"I know that there are many here who want to see this become a park, there's the possibility of conservancy; there are a number of outcomes," she said.
Beginning later this summer, the general public will have a chance to provide feedback on things such as the size and nature of the potential designation, its boundaries and the kinds of activities that will be allowed in the space.
"Regardless of the outcome, the final designation will ensure that this unique area will be excluded from timber harvesting and other commercial activity which will help preserve plant ecosystems, wildlife habitats and cultural values," said Bond. "Today's agreement reflects our commitment together to protect old growth forests, promote biodiversity and preserve valuable ecosystems and from my perspective, the most important thing, it will ensure that these landmark trees will be around for future generations to enjoy for another thousand years."
Last year, 15,000 people passed through the Ancient Forest, said the Caledonia Ramblers' Nowell Senior.
"We know that the Ancient Forest is something special," he said, citing visitors from across Canada, 35 U.S. states and 38 countries signing the guestbook since 2007.
The Ramblers led the charge and lent the manpower to build the 1,600-foot universal boardwalk. Over the past decade, 12,000 volunteer hours have gone into the forest, along with about 200 tonnes of material hauled by hand, said Senior.
Faculty and student from the University of Northern B.C. have been responsible for breaking down what exactly makes the forest so special, Senior said.
Darwyn Coxson, a professor of ecosystem science and management at the university, said the trees within the forest represent a rare inland temperate rainforest that has international significance.
"The ancient cedars grow in a very special site where there's springs and seepage areas that protect them from fire. It allows the trees to grow to a thousand years in age or more," Coxson said.
Research findings about the forest have been published in scientific journals and books.
"My great pleasure has been walking around the trail with international colleagues and their consensus is that the natural and cultural heritage values represented by the ancient cedar stands would make a very strong case for nomination as a world heritage site," Coxson said.
