Simpcw First Nation has announced that it will continue to lead old growth management in its territory despite the B.C. government’s implementation of an eight-point plan to accelerate actions to protect old growth forests.
Simpcw territory covers approximately 5,000,000 hectares of land, which includes the communities of Valemount and McBride.
Simpcw says it supports B.C.’s actions to protect old growth forests but states that when it comes to decisions involving their territory those will be made by Simpcw.
“We need B.C. to understand that when it comes to decisions in our territory, Simpcw will make those. We have an excellent working relationship with our local government and forest industry partners in our territory. We work together very well and support each other. We will work with the provincial government as well on Old Growth and other important issues, but final decisions will be ours,” said Kúkwpi7 (Chief) for Simpcw George Lampreau.
“Well-managed Old Growth is integral to multiple economic sectors as well as biodiversity and therefore we will continue a valley-wide collaboration in support of Simpcw First Nation on determining how Old Growth forests will be managed in its territory,” said Valemount Mayor Owen Torgerson.
“The future of McBride is directly linked with the management of forest values including recreation, employment, wildlife, and the maximization of carbon storage in healthy, resilient ecosystems. The province says it wants to work with First Nations and we support the Simpcw for stating very clearly where it stands in this relationship in cooperation with the citizens of the Robson Valley to build a more sustainable forest economy,” said McBride Mayor Gene Runtz.
Simpcw plans to participate in the regional Forest Landscape Planning meetings and will take the opportunity to restate its position about final decisions impacting its territory.
