UNBC Researchers Call for Ancient Forest to be Named World Heritage Site
Friday, March 1, 2013 @ 9:47 AM
Professor Darwyn Coxson teaching a class of UNBC students at the Ancient Forest east of P.G. photo courtesy UNBC
Prince George, B.C.- The ancient forest, a stand of old growth red cedars about 130kms east of Prince George, could one day be named a World Heritage Site, at least that is the goal behind a new research paper on the forest.
The latest research was led by UNBC Ecosystem Science and Management Professor Darwyn Coxson. He says if the Ancient Forest achieves the World Heritage Site status, it wouldn’t restrict access to the site, “People will still be able to hike there in the summer and snowshoe in the winter. The requirement of the World Heritage designation is that is be in a protected area, either a Provincial Park or National Park so we’ve discussed some scenarios on how that could happen for the Ancient Forest Trail.” . One of the scenarios recommends the Provincial Government extend the boundary of nearby Slim Creek Provincial Park to include the area surrounding the Ancient Forest Trail.
He recognizes that designating a forested area as Park can be controversial, but adds that most of the old cedar stands are already in old growth management areas “That means they are in areas where we don’t do forest harvesting, so as our paper point out, this is really a win win scenario you’re simply changing the labeling of a protected area east of town, you’re now saying this is now a Provincial Park instead of calling it an old growth management area.” He says it means you aren’t taking any lumber or fibre away from the forest industry, “Instead you are allowing this international designation which I think would really shine a interesting spotlight on the Central Interior region.”
Some of the red cedars in the ancient forest are estimated to be a thousand years old, and while there are similar World Heritage Sites ( Haida Gwaii), the Ancient Forest is unusual because it is not only inland, but so far north. The research indicates that these stands of ancient red cedars and surrounding biodiversity are “globally significant” and require the protection and status afforded other rich areas of scientific and cultural value deemed World Heritage Sites.
In addition to protecting the site, Professor Coxson says the World Heritage Site designation would also boost tourism to the region which is already seeing some growth because of the efforts of local groups “Certainly local groups have been doing some work at the site, putting in a board walk so as not to further damage the site. It would have to be managed responsibly, certainly.”
“Many people in BC still do not realize the social and cultural value of this forest,” says Dr. Coxson, who co-wrote the study with UNBC Environmental Planning professor David Connell, and Trevor Goward of the University of British Columbia. “Becoming a Provincial Park and then a World Heritage Site will ensure the long-term protection of the ancient cedar stands, which to date, have been cared for by local community groups.”
Professor Coxson says the B.C. Ministry of the Environment is looking at the proposal , but he has not yet heard anything formally back from the Ministry as to what they think about the request.
Comments
I never knew about this forest until a few years ago, what a surprise. It’s beautiful and unique and whatever we need to do to preserve it must be done. Good luck Professor.
heyyy… How does one get to that forest?? Keep hearing bout it but never see directions on how to get to it.. THX
Who estimated they were a thousand years old? On what basis? Did they do any increment boring to see, or is just that someone’s fanciful ‘guestimate’? Not saying it’s impossible, but more than likely any large interior cedar far less than half that age would be a decadent shell.
Here is a link to Ancient Forest info. Since last summer (July 2012), there is a very large sign which is highly visible from the highway.
Directions are available on the link. If You reach the Slim Creek rest stop, use the washroom and turn around and head back west about 6.6 km. It is a beautiful place.
http://wetbelt.unbc.ca/af-trail.htm
The Caledonia Ramblers have been very active in the construction of a boardwalk at the site.
wonder now long this Ancient Forest will last. Most of the tops are dead on the ceder in that area makes one wonder how the roots are doing.
Heavan are the Caladonia Ramblers still around? They are as old as the trees in the forest. I see Bill King still wears his flip flops.
cheers
Maybe companys should be sponsoring the dignage to the site like this, Stihl, Husquavrna.
So how do you prove how old/young you are socredible? Do you actually believe they got it right? ;-)
I visited an “ancient” forest near PG a few years back …. trees were about 2 to 3 inch calipre. Over 150 years old if I recall correctly … count the annual ring with a microscope ….
Stunted, or what????
If there was a market for raw cedar logs…they would all be gone by now. No need for inclusion into a park until then.
Dr. Coxson is an incredibly talented, smart man and we, as PG citizens, should be getting behind him on this drive to have the Ancient Forest declared as a World Heritage Site. One of the many benefits, besides saving an amazing place from logging, is that it might lead to increased visitors to our city.
I agree with protecting that area. It is very cool to hike in there and see the trees and the rest of the surroundings. It’s quite unique and you would never guess what is in that little pocket of forest as you drive by it on the highway.
If that spot was near a major urban centre, it would be protected and admired.
Retired 02 on March 1 2013 12:59 PM
wonder now long this Ancient Forest will last. Most of the tops are dead on the ceder in that area makes one wonder how the roots are doing.
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I suspect there’s still a few hundred years left in it. Dead tops are no big deal on an old cedar.
I really appreciate the work these folks have done, really hope it becomes a “Provincial Park” If the feds get hold of it, they’ll charge the hell out of yuh just to walk through it.
Should there be no liability issues with tops falling on users, I’m sure the ministry will proceed with making it a park. Thanks for bringing it to the public folks, it is an incredible walk through.
“If that spot was near a major urban centre, it would be protected and admired.”
They did that in Stanley Park …… until the winds huffed and puffed and we found out, as with the MPB, that we are unable to protect such areas. When Mother Nature decides it is time, that is how long she will let us pretend we are protecting it.
In the meantime, can someone please put together a plan to protect that small part of the forest, but also put it into the inventory of places to see for both the residents here and those visiting from other parts.
If you haven’t been there go! The trees in there are huge rivalling ones found on the coast. When walking in the forest it’s hard to believe that you are in the central interior.
Start driving east go past the Purden Log house restaurant, past Sugar bowl about 110km east of PG. There has been some sort of signage there for more than 10 years. Yes you can go there in the winter too.
good too see someone is listening..
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