Grassroots action to save BC forests from extinction

Join communities across BC as we unite for the forests.

MARCH: FRI, SEPT 18, 2020
SUMMIT: SEPT 10-15, 2020

Its time to build a new forest framework that respects nature & Indigenous systems and gives power back to communities.

There is no time to waste and the BC government must be pressed into taking immediate action.

For locations of marches click on the Locations 2020 tab above.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE ONLINE SUMMIT SEPT 10-15

WHAT WE KNOW

Industrial logging is destroying our forests, wildlife habitat, and water.
Legislation gives private corporations authority over public land.
Communities have no power.

VISION

To unite and empower BC communities located on the front lines of of forestry by creating a network of engaged resistance and solidarity for nature-based management of BC forests.

MISSION

To establish a movement of lobbyists for legislative reform on part of the BC government which formally prioritizes ecosystem health in the management of forests.

UNITING FOR 3 DEMANDS

Tell the BC government we expect forestry legislation to ensure:

• Prioritization of ecosystem health in forestry legislation.
• Formal involvement of front line communities in the management of public land.
• Prohibition of private corporations from having any level of authority over public land.

The destruction of nature for profit continues at breakneck speed. Now, as we rebuild our economy and society, we have an opportunity to change how we manage our forests.

We can:

• Protect more of our forests.
• Stop logging old growth.
• Give wildlife the habitat they need to survive.
• Manage our water responsibly.
• Incorporate traditional Indigenous ecological knowledge and systems.

Individuals and community groups across the province have been working in isolation to push for changes to forest management. It has become clear that we all want the same thing: healthy forests that sustain us for centuries to come. Let’s join forces.

THE PEOPLE LEAD THE WAY FORWARD

This is a grassroots movement! It is being run by the people, for the people. You can organize a march in your community. Tell your friends, your neighbors, and groups to come together. Make it happen where you live!

WHO IS PARTICIPATING?

You can join either as an individual or a group. This is for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people across BC.

COVID19 UPDATE

Stay safe and healthy. Wear a mask. Social distance. The Provincial Health Officer has ordered that gatherings be a max of 50 people. We ask that your events comply. Be creative and strategic with locations and signage.

CAN’T MARCH? FIND OUT OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED: CLICK TO JOIN THE SUMMIT

HOW TO PARTICIPATE –WEAR BLUE (WATER), GREEN (TREES), OR BROWN (EARTH)

1. Get together with your friends, family, and neighbors, with a local group. There may already be a group in your community that promotes forest restoration and preservation, such as: a forest group, an environmental group, a habitat group, a branch of a larger organization, a watershed group, a biodiversity group, etc. Contact a local group and ask them if they are already participating. If not, encourage them to join! GOT A SMALL GROUP WITHOUT A FORMAL ORGANIZATION THAT WANTS TO PARTICIPATE? Info will be shared here about local marches you can join.
2. Carry posters and signs with your message. What do you want? Why do you want it? Who are you doing this for? How are our problems going to be solved? What solutions and alternatives do you want? Why do you care about the forest? Make your voice heard with bold and bright signage. We encourage you to use words that foster positive change. Our purpose is to get the BC government to make immediate changes.
3. Pick a prominent location in your community to march such as a central park, in front of your government building, and/or near visible streets. Aim for the MLA office in your region.
4. Contact local media. You will find a template for a media release coming soon. You can fill in the specifics about your community march. The organizers of Forest March BC are contacting media province-wide, including television, print, and radio media. You can do the same thing. Let’s get visible.
5. Ensure that your march is peaceful and lawful. Speak with local authorities prior to the march to let them know your intentions and invite them to help make sure your march is positive, amicable, and inclusive.
6. See if you can find training in non-violent communication.
7. Be creative and inclusive. In addition to signage, you can include singing, music, speakers, prayer, and art in your march. Ask local Indigenous people to participate in and open the ceremony.
8. Share your experience! Submit photos and videos of your march. Send them to forestmarchbc@gmail.com. They will be posted on this website and on Facebook.
9. Spread the word on social media.
10. Follow us on Facebook!

Tell us your why. Share what you love about your forests. We will post photos and videos on the website and Facebook.