The upper Elaho is a spectacular old-growth valley, only two hours north of Vancouver. While camped on a gravel bar next to an ice cold turquoise river you are surrounded by impressive mountain peaks – capped by glaciers and flanked by old growth temperate rainforests, including the world’s oldest Douglas Firs at 1300 years.. This valley is part of the Squamish Nation Traditional Territory and comprises the southern most occupied Grizzly Bear habitat on the West Coast.

For many years area was the site of a long, bitter and hard-fought campaign to save the remaining old-growth forests, protect Squamish sacred sites, and respect Squamish self-determination. Groups ranging from the Squamish Nation to the Western Canada Wilderness Committee, the Forest Action Network and the Elaho Anarchist Horde all contributed to the effort. When the Squamish Nation designated the most contested areas as Wild Spirit Places in their land-use plan, Interfor (the logging company) chose to leave them alone rather than risk even more fierce opposition. In 2005 the Squamish Nation bought the Tree Farm license from Interfor. Now the government of British Columbia is following the Squamish Nation in formally recognizing the protection of the upper Elaho and Simms Valleys.

Although not without faults, this is a great example of how strong, long term collaboration between First Nations, Environmental NGO’s, and grassroots activists can lead to paradigm shifting success on the ground.

Click here to read the Wilderness Committee press release