'Namgis Forest Planning

There are several key forest Zones, often called ecosystems, across ‘Namgis Territory. These Zones stretch from sea level to mountain tops, crossing through valleys, slopes, and changing conditions.

Key forest Zones of ‘Namgis Territory

Each Zone has developed by its unique climate, vegetation, and site characteristics (e.g., soil, elevation, and moisture), however due to climate change these zones will continue to adapt and evolve over millennia. Let’s explore the key forest Zones found in our territory, beginning from lower to higher elevations.

Low Elevation (0–600 m)

Coastal Western Hemlock, Very Moist Maritime (CWHvm1) and Very Dry Maritime (CWHxm)

Zone areas: Beaver Cove, Kokish, Tsulton, Nimpkish Lake, and past Woss.

The most common forest zones on North Vancouver Island and within ‘Namgis territory are CWHvm1 and CWHxm. Ecosystems in these Zones occur at sea level and are full of life. You will find Hemlock, Balsam, Red Cedar, Sitka Spruce, Red Alder and Lodgepole Pine frequently in moist areas, and Douglas Fir and White Pine in the dryer areas. Devil’s Club, Salal, Nettle, Currants, Huckleberry, Strawberry, Bunchberry, Salmonberry and Thimbleberry that are found in these ecosystems are harvested for medicine and food. This productive valley-bottom ecosystem is where most industrial logging has occurred in the past and where often fish values are the highest.

As such, old growth forests in these areas are rare and the majority of the forest here are less than 80 years old. Like the FLP Pilot in the Nimpkish Valley, the T’łuładi Project is focussed on ensuring these low-elevation sites have a chance to develop into fully functioning ecosystems. This will be done by protecting remaining old growth by establishing a conservation network in sensitive sites and along important riparian areas to ensure these important ecosystems are allowed to develop into and be maintained as old growth forests forever, while at the same time, selecting areas that would be appropriate for commercial forestry.

Mid Elevation (600–900 m)

Upper Elevation Moist Forest (CWHvm2)

Zone areas: Steep hillsides by the highway and the top of the Grease Trail.

As you move higher up, the ecosystem gets cooler and less productive, and old growth forests become more common. While similar plants and trees found in the CWHvm1 can be found here in the CWHvm2, Yellow Cedar and Mountain Hemlock begin to appear, Marsh Marigold and Hellebore thrive in poorly drained areas, and Alaskan Blueberry becomes more abundant as Salal declines.

High Elevation (900+ m)

Mountain Hemlock Windward Moist Maritime (MHmm1) and High Elevation Moist Montane Parkland

Zone areas: Upper Noomas, Mount Whatila, and around Mount Cain.

MHhmm1 is a high-elevation forest Zone (above 900 m) that is cold, with shallow soils, and a short growing season. Trees like Mountain Hemlock, Yellow Cedar, and Balsam grow here slowly. Alpine plants like heather, mosses, lichens and hardy wildflowers also survive in these snowy, harsh conditions. Following this Zone at a higher elevation of 1200 m and with harsher elements is the Montane Parkland Zone. Stunted Mountain Hemlock, Yellow Cedar, and Balsam trees grow very slowly and may be centuries old, often resembling natural bonsai trees due to the tough conditions.

Highest elevation (1400+ m)

Alpine Tundra (AT) (not identified on map due to relative size)

Zone areas: Find this Zone on the mountain tops southeast of Bonanza Lake, above Woss Lake and across the southern portion of ‘Namgis Territory

At the very top, the land becomes relatively treeless, has limited soil and supports limited plant life. Lichens, mosses, grass and low growing herbs and shrubs make up the bulk of the plant life on these sites. However, only about 10% of this ecosystem has any kind of plant life. The remaining 90% of these sites is comprised of exposed rock.

The forests of ‘Namgis territory are full of life. Walking through our forests, tall trees like Western Hemlock, Western Redcedar, and Douglas Fir can offer shade, while plants like Devil’s Club, Cow Parsnip, and Salal grow along the forest floor for use in traditional medicines. You might also spot black bears, elk, or even smaller creatures like the banana slug or the pacific tree frog.

Together, all these plants, animals, and organisms, alongside the weather and landscapes, work together as part of an ecosystem, which is a living system where everything is connected.

How is an ecosystem studied?

For generations, ‘Namgis have passed down knowledge of plants, animals, and the land. Today, this traditional knowledge can be paired with tools like the Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification (BEC) to better understand and describe our ecosystems.

How do you use the BEC system?

The BEC system helps group similar areas of the ‘Namgis landscape into ecosystems based on three main criteria:

1. Climate – is it wet, dry, cold?
2. Vegetation – what kind of plants grow there?
3. Site characteristics – what is the soil types, elevation and slope?

By understanding these three criteria, ecosystems can be grouped into:

Why does understanding our ecosystems matter?

Understanding ecosystems helps us make informed decisions about how we manage the land. For the T’łuładi Project, this knowledge supports better forestry planning by helping protect biodiversity, cultural sites, caves and karst, fish habitat, and forest cover for wildlife. When we look at forest conservation, we look at what proportion is already protected to ensure we have good representation of all ecosystems in ‘Namgis territory. For example, early industrial forestry without a lot of rules targeted the valley bottom ecosystems in the low elevation ecosystems. A lot of work needs to be focused on protecting these immature forests, into the future especially when you consider their importance to salmon. These need to be protected and allowed to grow older for the benefit of future generations.

The T’łuładi Project area includes several areas that hold cultural, ecological, and recreational significance. Some examples include:

• Mount Whiltilla holds cultural significance as a site of historical value to ‘Namgis members.
• Kokish River is important for its cultural value, as well as being a key area for fish, elk and wildlife habitat.
• Tsulton River holds cultural and ecological importance, supporting elk and wildlife habitat while also being an important fishing area.
• Bonanza Lake has cultural importance.
• Beaver Cove is of cultural, ecological, and economic significance as an area that supports biodiversity, and holds resources important to the local economy.
• Steele Creek serves as a critical wildlife habitat, supporting diverse species.

How do you like to use the Bonanza area? Let us know by dropping pins on the map: https://engage.namgis.bc.ca/namgisforestplanning/places/t-luladi-project-drop-pins-on-the-map-to-tell-us-more-about-how-you-use-the-bonanza-area

The T’łuładi Project area is full of impressive mountain ranges, caves, and of course karst!

Karst is a feature of the landscape that is made of limestone that's been dissolved by water, creating underground drainage and caves.

Karst in Vancouver Island/where it is found:

• Some parts of ‘Namgis territory, including the Bonanza area, has some of the highest density of caves anywhere in Canada and includes the Argus system, the longest cave system in Canada.
• The largest limestone exposure is on the northern end of Vancouver Island, north and west of Port McNeill.

Karst's cultural and ecological significance:

• Karst and caves help to improve water quality
• Salmon and other fish species use these cave systems
• Bats, which are important indicators of broader ecosystem health, use caves
• Karst helps to cool water temperatures

Have any more questions about the T’łuładi Project? Email Brian Svanvik at Brian.Svanvik@namgis.bc.ca in the Natural Resources Department.

“Pushed completely from British Columbia during the last glacial advance, the adaptable Elk re-populated both the wet coast and dry interior after the ice melted.”

Tlawals (roosevelt elk) hold deep cultural, ecological, and historical significance for ‘Namgis. As one of largest members of the deer family, they have shown us their resilience since arriving on Vancouver Island after the last glaciation. Thriving in a variety of habits, from dense old-growth rainforests in Vancouver Island to grassy interior valleys, Tlawals are drawn to areas where winter snow stays shallow, allowing for year-round foraging.

Despite their adaptability and growing populations, members have identified Tlawals as one of their top three species of concern. For generations, Tlawals have and continue to provide sustenance (food, social, and ceremonial) to ‘Namgis. Additionally, they are vital to the local ecosystem, recovering biodiversity as prey for predators and shaping plant growth through grazing.

In recent years, ‘Namgis has witnessed a decrease in Tlawals population in the Bonanza area, which serves as an important seasonal range for calf protection and rearing. To support the future health of Tlawals population and their habitat, the T’łuładi technical team will be working to ensure their population can thrive.

Tlawals facts:

• Population: Roughly 3,000-3,500 on Vancouver Island
• Weight: Largest and heaviest elk in North America, with the ability to weigh over 1,000 lbs
• Features: Brownish coat with a dark mane and white rump patch, and large forked antlers (in males). Both males and females have "elk tusks" (rounded upper canine teeth)!
• Age: Ability to live 15+ years in the wild
• Food: Diet consists of sedges, grasses, ferns, browse from willows, elderberries, cedar, and hemlock
• Habitat: Found in rainforests, grassy valleys, riparian zones, and subalpine meadows.

Have more questions about Tlwalas or the T’łuładi project? Email Brian Svanvik at Brian.Svanvik@namgis.bc.ca in the Natural Resources Department.

The T’łuładi Project is a continuation of the work we began with the Gwa’ni Project and the Forest Landscape Plan Pilot, where we heard about members’ values and priorities when it comes to forest planning. We want to continue those conversations, and learn about the specific priorities that ‘Namgis have in the Bonanza area.

Below is a list of the land use planning values that were developed through community engagement in 2021-2024. Together, these values represent the different considerations that will guide the T’łuładi Project.

• Access
• Aquatic habitat and fish
• Biodiversity
• Cedar
• Climate resilience and carbon
• Culture
• Karst
• Minerals
• ‘Namgis Forest Values
• Non-timber forest products
• Recreation
• Soil
• Timber
• Tourism
• Visuals
• Water
• Wildlife

During the T’łuładi Project, we will be continuing to engage with members about the importance of these values, and any others that are key within the Bonanza area.

Have any more questions about the Land Use Planning values or the T’łuładi Project? Email Brian Svanvik at Brian.Svanvik@namgis.bc.ca in the Natural Resources Department.

The T’łuładi landscape planning project ensures that ‘Namgis is making decisions about forestry within the Bonanza area. The plan builds on the planning values and interests shared by members during the Gwa’ni Project in 2021-2024, which are guiding good forest stewardship and sustainable resource management.

Want to know more about the T’łuładi Project and what you can expect? The T’łuładi Project FAQ answers common questions about the project, its importance to ‘Namgis, and how feedback from members will be included in the planning process.

Have any more questions about the T’łuładi Project? Email Brian Svanvik at Brian.Svanvik@namgis.bc.ca in the Natural Resources Department.

‘Namgis First Nation is currently working on a collaborative forest planning project with Mosaic Forest Management which focuses on sustainable forest management based in shared values and interests. The name of this new project is T’łuładi which means "having elk".

During ‘Namgis comprehensive community planning, we heard from members that developing a territorial plan and ensuring that ‘Namgis is making all decisions about the use of land within the territory is crucial. This project is one of the ways we are fulfilling this commitment.

In the coming months, the T’łuładi technical team will engage with members to build on the work we began through the Gwa’ni Project, which focused on understanding ‘Namgis members' values and priorities related to forest planning. ‘Namgis is looking to continue those discussions and learn more about the specific priorities in the Bonanza area.

The T’łuładi Project will result in a final plan intended to define objectives and strategies to inform good forest stewardship and sustainable resource management of the portion of Tree Farm License 47 (TFL 47) that overlaps with ‘Namgis Territory on northern Vancouver Island. This commitment aims to increase the effectiveness, transparency and clarity of improved resource management in the area of TFL 47 in the territory.

The collaborative planning process will focus on the long-term sustainability of diverse values and interests, including forests, wildlife, fish habitat, karst, and archaeological features, for the benefit of future generations. It will remain consistent with the spirit of ‘Namgis Forest Values, reconciliation and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA).

The T’łuładi Project represents a positive step towards collaboration, recognizing ‘Namgis governance of the territory and its resources and the incorporation of ‘Namgis approaches to good forest stewardship and economic stability within the North Island.

We will continue to use this ‘Namgis Forest Planning online engagement hub to share updates about the project, invite members to participate in online engagement activities, and to share information about upcoming community engagement events!

You may also email Brian Svanvik at Brian.Svanvik@namgis.bc.ca in the Natural Resources Department for further information about events and updates.

This infographic summarizes the results of the Gwa’ni Project and FLP, and the changes coming as a result of the work. Check it out by clicking here!

During engagements, 'Namgis members have shared that they don’t always know where to access cedar and other medicinal plants like Devil's Club in the Nimpkish Valley.

Both red and yellow cedar can be found abundantly throughout the Nimpkish Valley. Generally, cedar thrives in moist environments and often in the shade of other trees. These optimal growth conditions support the development of healthy and vibrant cedar trees. When exploring the Nimpkish Valley, keep an eye out for areas with these characteristics!

Explore the Gwa’ni Project Engagement Site to learn more about what the Technical Team has been up to, and what is coming next for the Gwa’ni Project!