October 2023: Cedar and the Gwa’ni Project

Cedar plays a crucial role within ‘Namgis way of life, including the creation of textiles, building materials, and carving wood for transportation and canoes.

There are three key cedar strategies the ‘Namgis Technical Team is recommending:

• Conserved areas: Conserved areas are designated spaces set aside to safeguard and preserve specific species, habitats, and ecosystems, including the protection of cedar trees. They are designed to promote connectivity and biodiversity within ecosystems.
• ‘Namgis Conservation Network: spans whole length of the Nimpkish watershed, surrounding major water areas/lakes and including areas of good cedar growing sites. Creating a network of connectivity, to restore forests, with a particular focus on cedar.
• Retention and reforestation: When designing harvest areas, large cedar trees and cedar groves are identified and protected in patches along with other trees and plants. Cedar is also planted everywhere it is ecologically viable.

The Gwa’ni Project aims to reflect the importance of protecting special cedar areas and engaging in retention strategies while also allowing for responsible timber harvesting.

Have any more questions about the Gwa’ni Project and Forest Landscape Plan? Email Brian Svanvik at Brian.Svanvik@namgis.bc.ca in the Natural Resources Department.