April 2026: Building a ‘Namgis Conservation Network for Future Generations

As part of the T’łuładi Project, a proposed Conservation Network is being designed to ensure that our forests support more than just timber. This network will identify areas where harvesting for timber should not occur, and will give priority to protecting cultural and ecological values, building on the work in the Nimpkish Valley (TFL 37 FLP and the Gwa’ni Project).

The ‘Namgis Conservation Network will help safeguard places of cultural significance and allow recovery of plant communities important for medicine and food harvest. It will also focus on protecting fish and wildlife habitat, karst and cave networks, cedar, ensuring that ecosystems remain healthy and resilient.

Beyond ecology and culture, the ‘Namgis Conservation Network also supports recreation, giving people more opportunities to connect with the land in a sustainable way. The emphasis is on protecting natural values now so that resources and landscapes remain available for future generations.

This approach reflects a shift in planning priorities: from viewing forests mainly as a resource for timber, to recognizing them as interconnected systems that provide cultural, ecological, and broader community benefits.