Environmentalists Protest Logging In British Columbia's Clayoquot Sound

Tofino, British Columbia (AHN) - Now that tens of thousands of acres of Clayoquot Sound in British Columbia have been opened to logging, environmental groups have threatened blockades if cutting continues in the northern reaches of the area.

The Canadian Press reported that some 150 people from different environmental groups and a representative from First Nation squared off in Tofino on Vancouver Island to resolve issues over the plan to log at Clayoquot Sound.

Environmental groups warned that there could be a new "war in the woods" if cutting continues in the northern Clayoquot Sound.

First Nation deputy chief councilor John Frank claimed aboriginals should have the right to make a living.

The Clayoquot Sound was the site of massive demonstrations in 1993 when environmentalists attempted to block roads in an effort to keep loggers away. More than 800 people were arrested for blocking logging roads.

Currently, two companies, Coulson Forest Products of Port Alberni, and First-Nations owned MaMook Natural Resources Ltd., are planning to log in the Hesquiat Point Creek area.