PROPOSED EXPANSION TO PURCELL WILDERNESS CONSERVANCY, IN PROTECTION OF OLD GROWTH FORESTS

As the peaceful protests taking place on Vancouver Island continue to gain support and stimulate public response regarding B.C.’s forestry practices, similar disputes concerning land use and forest management are taking place in forests closer to home (at least my home, that is.) 

Here in the West Kootenays, locals to the Argenta and Johnsons Landing areas have been fighting for decades to protect roughly 6200 hectares of forest off the shores of Kootenay Lake. The mountainside was left out of the protection of the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy when land use decisions were made back in the 90’s, and conservationists would like to see that change. (Check out Mt Willet Wilderness Forever’s proposal on their website). Although the area is subject to logging limitations, the harvesting plans still include portions of forest within the Argenta Creek watershed and the land between the two forest communities. 

Check out this interesting read to learn more about the mission to protect the Argenta-Johnsons Landing Face, and why the various organizations involved are pushing the fight.