2 more arrests at Vancouver Island forestry blockade, RCMP say

Ancient Forest Alliance photographer TJ Watt stands at the base of the "Tolkien Giant" tree in the Central Walbran Valley in a handout photo. (Ancient Forest Alliance / The Canadian Press)

Mounties enforcing an injunction against anti-logging protesters on Vancouver Island say they made two more arrests Thursday.

The latest arrests at the protesters’ Walbran Forest Service Road blockade bring the total to 13 since enforcement began on Nov. 25, police said in a news release.

The arrests were made after officers patrolling the injunction area “located some individuals perched on top of tree structures that blocked the roadway.”

Two people were arrested for breaching the injunction, Mounties said. One of them was released at the scene with conditions. The other was held in custody for breaching the conditions of their release after a previous arrest at the blockade last month.

“The police will remain in the area in the coming days, patrolling the Walbran Forest Service Road to ensure unimpeded access,” the RCMP release reads.

Of the 13 arrests made since enforcement began, two have involved individuals who had already been arrested at the site previously.

Nine of the arrests have been for breaching the injunction, one each for criminal mischief and obstruction of police “for resisting arrest” and two for breaching release conditions.

The B.C. Supreme Court granted the injunction to Tsawak-qin Forestry on Sept. 12. The company is co-owned by Western Forest Products and the Huu-ay-aht First Nations.

“We had hoped the blockaders would comply with the court’s order and leave peacefully,” the company said in a statement when enforcement of the injunction began.

“The blockaders were asked on multiple occasions to leave the blockade, including by the Pacheedaht First Nation, but refused to do so.”

Pacheedaht has previously denounced the blockade on its territory, saying it’s obstructing approved forestry activities.

Tsawak-qin Forestry said it’s committed to working with First Nations, the province, and local governments to manage the land responsibly.

The protesters have previously told CTV News they don’t plan on leaving the area.

With files from CTV News Vancouver Island’s Anna McMillan