Comox Valley Nature

We know many reasons why old-growth forests should be conserved. One reason that has been in the mainstream news in recent times (and earlier) is the Marbled Murrelet, particularly in the Fairy Creek watershed. (For example, see this story in the Vancouver Sun.) This threatened seabird breeds a short distance inland, high on the mossy limbs of old-growth conifers. Without good nesting sites, it’s unlikely to survive.

Because of clear-cut logging in the Fairy Creek area, environmental activists have protested extensively against the logging. In addition, scientists and naturalists have been surveying the area to understand, in the first place, what’s present in this ecosystem that could be lost.

Royann Petrell, a CVN member and Director at Large, has taken a leading role in the effort to survey the area. She has a particular interest in the Marbled Murrelet, and has, with others, mapped some of its nesting sites. She is passionate about protecting them.

Royann informed us of a lawsuit recently filed in the Supreme Court of B.C. by the Friends of Fairy Creek Society. This legal action is in need of funding. She says this about their GoFundMe campaign:

Hi everyone concerned about threatened species reliant on Old Growth forests for their survival. Here is a great way to help save the marbled murrelet. I have known the people behind the court case for two years. They are determined as I am to save these threatened birds as well as other species depending on the little old growth left in British Columbia.

If you would like to help in this way, please visit this GoFundMe web page.