An area of rain forest (18,000square kilometres), somewhat larger than Gangwon-do, is now a completely protected area and a total of 64,000 suare kilometres allows restricted use.
From the Globe & Mail:
“The agreement reached on these areas represents an unprecedented collaboration between First Nations, industry, environmentalists, local governments and many other stakeholders in how we manage the vast richness of B.C.'s coast for the benefit of all British Columbians,” [premiere] Mr. Campbell said.
...He promised legislation will be introduced to establish sustainable logging practices in the rest of the region, often referred to by environmentalists as the Great Bear Rainforest.
The region is home to hundreds of species including grizzlies, black bears, the so-called spirit bear, wolves, cougars, mountain goats, moose and deer. The spirit bear is a rare white species, also called the kermode bear.
I understand that a properly protected area means that tourists are also kept out, but I hope I can someday see part of this remarkable area.
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1 comment:
Interesting post here Brian. This is the first time I heard of this. I am interested in environmental issues.
Kudos to British Columbia!
Even though the area is closed to the tourist industry, I would think that people might be able to gain access for certain reasons on a case by case basis.
For example:
Perhaps hobby photographers may be allowed access to take photos as they wish with an understanding that copies may be donated for research, species counts or examples, etc, etc.
From what I understand, unrestricted "tourism", can have a significant negative effect on an environment. I am optomistic that there will be some kind of "limited access areas" within the park that are available to various groups for something other than "drunken camping".
Cool post! The best to you and your family!
Mike.
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