'Namgis Forest Planning

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!

During community engagements, 'Namgis members shared about the many ways cedar is important in their lives. In response to this feedback, cedar has been added as a planning value of the Gwa’ni Project, helping to shape the ways that the project and its consensus recommendations strikes a balance between various land use planning considerations.

In the context of the Gwa’ni Project, cedar – wilkw, which is considered the “tree of life”, provides all its parts such as roots, bark, wood, and branches for use within ‘Namgis culture. It is the official tree of the Province and is a valuable resource throughout B.C.

This infographic shares all of the land use planning values guiding the Gwa’ni Project, including the newly added cedar value. Together, these values represent the different considerations that are guiding the project's decisions and actions.

The Gwa'ni Project is proposing the creation of the Gwa’ni Special Management Zone (SMZ). Special Management Zones are intended to prioritize other values and ecological integrity over timber. To help achieve these outcomes, we are proposing redesigning and increasing the amount of special management zones in the Nimpkish Valley to prioritize ecological integrity over forestry.

Strategies developed through the FLP, considered within the special management zone, will include:

• Smaller harvest areas
• Increased retention (more trees and patches left standing)
• Longer rotation between harvest (allowing trees to grow older before harvest)
• No herbicide use for forestry purposes
• Ending clearcut harvest (instead use retention silviculture systems and alternative approaches)

Through the Gwa’ni Project engagements, we have also heard concerns regarding the health and availability of cedar for future generations, given the cultural importance cedar holds. One of the goals of the SMZ is to allow more time for cedar to grow naturally and allowing it to take its time to grow.

‘Namgis forest values, trees, and plants are important elements being considered by the ‘Namgis Technical Team.

‘Namgis forest values are encompassing the duty to ensure that the cultural, environmental and spiritual vitality of the waters, lands, and resources are protected and used sustainably for future generations of people, plants and animals.

One of the very important forest species that is currently being discussed is cedar. Both red and yellow cedar live and thrive within various parts of ‘Namgis territory, and the roots, bark, wood, and branches of cedar trees are used for everyday uses as well as for ceremonial purposes.

Generally, cedar grows best in moist environments and when beneath the shade of other trees. These conditions allow for the trees to maintain healthy populations for generations of ‘Namgis to be able to sustainably harvest and use the bark for all different purposes.

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.

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.

In addition to the proposed Lower Nimpkish area for conservation, the Gwa’ni Project is proposing the creation of a second conserved area. The proposed Upper Nimpkish area for conservation spans 880 hectares.

Here is more of what you need to know:

Ecological restoration

• The proposed Upper Nimpkish area for conservation includes many important areas including the mouth of the Yookwa River, which used to be a vital spawning ground for sockeye salmon. In part due to previous logging practices, the river has suffered substantial damage, disrupting its natural processes. In order for nature to restore itself, it will take time. The proposed Upper Nimpkish area for conservation aims to allow for that to occur.
• The Upper Nimpkish Conserved Area will contribute to stabilizing the existing 15-hectare Nimpkish River Ecological Reserve and its unique biodiversity
• The Upper Nimpkish Conserved Area will support:
  1. Key brood stock collection sites for the Gwa'ni Hatchery
  2. Salmon habitat restoration sites
  3. Protection of bear and bird species habitats

Recreation

• Accessible by road, the Upper Nimpkish conserved area connects to the road to Gold River, and routes to Woss
• The Vernon Lake campsite is also included in the proposed area

Have any more questions? Email Brian Svanvik at Brian.Svanvik@namgis.bc.ca in the Natural Resources Department and learn more about the conserved areas and more!