Forest watchdog alleges illegal logging in Vancouver Island’s old-growth valley

A forest watchdog is alleging illegal logging is taking place in one of Vancouver Island’s last remaining old-growth valleys.

A forest watchdog is alleging illegal logging in one of Vancouver Island’s last remaining old-growth valleys. He says the province needs to act now.

Joshua Wright, a filmmaker and self-described forestry watchdog, says a recent trip to central Vancouver Island resulted in a disturbing discovery.

“This valley called Black Creek is an ecosystem that has remained intact since the last ice age. And under the province’s current forestry regulations, it is being destroyed,” Wright told CTV News.

Wright says he first visited the area in 2024 and documented a massive yellow cedar tree, nearly three meters in diameter and large enough to qualify for protection under B.C.’s Special Tree Protection Regulation, he claimed. But when he returned this year, he says the tree was gone.

“I went back to Black Creek this year and found a stump. This was an explicit violation of the Forest and Range Practices Act and the Big Tree Protection Order,” Wright said, adding that it symbolized the loss of old-growth forests in the province. “When we lose old-growth forests, we are losing biodiversity. We are accelerating the extinction crisis,” he said.

Old-growth wood is considered extremely high quality and valuable, used in everything from homes to acoustic guitars.

“The value-added wood industry relies on old-growth cedar to produce tight-grained, durable products ideal for siding and decking,” said Brian Menzies, executive director of the Independent Wood Processors Association. “These woods naturally resist the elements and last longer than synthetic alternatives.”

Menzies says generally, the industry understands the need for sustaining B.C.’s valuable old-growth sector.

“Our industry uses less than one per cent of available wood annually and aims to harvest sustainably so old-growth resources endure for future generations,” said Menzies. “Maximizing each cubic meter harvested creates more B.C. jobs and ensures economic value for British Columbia.”

While the province does have rules on sustainable practices, Wright wants to see better enforcement, such as fines or sanctions applied to those who break the rules.

“Unless the province enforces regulations against forestry companies, then there’s no point in having regulations at all,” he said.

B.C.’s Ministry of Forests denied a request for an interview, but told CTV News it has opened an investigation into the alleged incident.