Mowachaht / Muchalaht First Nations: Salmon Parks Initiative
The Initiative
The Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations—located in the Tahsis, Nootka Island, and Gold River region on western Vancouver Island—are embarking on a project called the Salmon Parks Initiative to protect around 650-square km of their unceded territory.
Once complete, the salmon parks will protect around 311-square km of old-growth forests, including those with trees that can grow as tall as a skyscraper.
At the heart of this initiative is the recognition of the integral role that healthy ecosystems and intact old-growth forests play in sustaining wild salmon.
Our Support
We are collaborating with the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations to complete a strategic plan for establishing the salmon parks. Over the long term, we hope to continue supporting this initiative, including by working to support stewardship efforts, land-use planning, and sustainable economic development linked to the Salmon Parks.
Background
Over the decades, industrial logging in Mowachaht/Muchalaht territory has disturbed the old-growth forests that once upheld strong riverbanks and pools, which are critical habitat for salmon - a keystone species in the Pacific Northwest and for many coastal Indigenous communities.
The vision of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations is to protect what remains of the old-growth forests on their unceded territory, restore healthy lands and waters, and ensure that the BC government recognizes and honours their salmon parks with corresponding legislation.
We will help make sure this happens.
Make a donation.
Please donate today to ensure that the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations can secure lasting protection for old-growth forests, vitality for salmon populations, and prosperity for their community.
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