Vancouver Island First Nations' Company Launch Conservation-based Harvesting in Clayoquot Sound

UCLUELET - The First Nations led company, Iisaak Forest Resources Ltd. will begin logging in Clayoquot Sound on August 22, 2000.The falling of the first tree signifies a new beginning for the communities in Clayoquot Sound.

An environmentally responsible forest services company, Iisaak is supported by five major environmental groups. On June 16, 1999, a landmark agreement was signed between Iisaak Forest Resources and Greenpeace Canada, Greenpeace International, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club of British Columbia, and Western Canada Wilderness Committee.

"Iisaak can be a model of locally controlled, value driven forestry that respects and protects the full range of forest values. As such it will be the cornerstone of a prosperous, diverse and innovative economy for all the communities in the Sound," said Vicky Husband, Conservation Chair, Sierra Club of BC. "We are very hopeful that Iisaak will benefit both the environment and the local people of Clayoquot."

"The Wilderness Committee will actively support the products that will come out of the holistic management of this region," said Adriane Carr, Western Canada Wilderness Committee.

Iisaak,a joint-venture company owned by the Nuu-chah-nulth Central Region First Nations (51%) and Weyerhaeuser Company (49%), is charting a new course in the development and application of conservation-based forestry. Conservation based forestry provides access to opportunity and benefits while maintaining environmental quality.

The company's innovative approach to resource management truly sets it apart."We have crafted a transparent and adaptive management strategy that fits the unique conditions of Clayoquot Sound. While it is important to learn from the Clayoquot model, it is not a 'one size fits all' approach to forestry," says Eric Schroff, Iisaak General Manager.

In the language of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations, 'iisaak' (pronounced "e-sock") means respect. The company operates on the principle of respect for all things. Iisaak will:

• respect First Nations traditional knowledge,
• promote sustainable economic development within the local communities
• protect the ecological integrity of Clayoquot Sound.

"We will ensure that our children for many generations to come will have wild places to be young in," said Joe Campbell, Ahousaht First Nation and Chair of the Iisaak Board of Directors.

Iisaak's market focus is to maximize the value of timber harvested rather than the volume."We anticipate earning a greater return for our products in recognition of our high standards and enhanced resource protection," said Eric Schroff. The company expects that minimizing the impact of harvesting will provide additional economic opportunities for new markets in botanical forest products, under-valued species, eco-tourism, recreation, carbon and biodiversity.

"Our partnership with Iisaak is one example of how we are changing the way we manage the forests of the BC Coast. Iisaak allows our company and First Nations to work collaboratively on a different approach to forest management and, in doing so, generate new knowledge," states Iisaak board member and local Weyerhaeuser manager Ted Kimoto.

Iisaak is seeking Forest Stewardship Council certification for the forest management of Tree Farm License 57. This prestigious and internationally recognized stamp of approval will help the company market its products around the globe.

Ucluelet First Nation Chief and Iisaak Board Member Larry Baird stresses, "We guarantee to our customers that our products come from forests that are managed in a way that protects forest ecosystems, water quality, wildlife habitat, recreation, cultural and other values, in an environmentally and socially responsible manner."