Vancouver Island First Nations gain control of three Clayoquot Sound forestry areas

Three new tree farm licences covering about 52,000 hectares in Clayoquot Sound will be managed by the Ahousaht, Hesquiaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations under an agreement with the provincial government, MaMook Natural Resources and financial support from Nature United.

Three new forestry areas in Clayoquot Sound on Vancouver Island will be managed by the Ahousaht, Hesquiaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, marking a long-standing goal for local control over forest resources. Tyson Atleo, a hereditary leader of the Ahousaht, described the change as the realization of a promise he made more than 15 years ago to regain control over some forest resources. The licences cover about 52,000 hectares in total, with Ahousaht set to manage about 33,000 hectares that include cedar, spruce, hemlock and some Douglas fir, along with areas of old-growth and sites of cultural significance. The shift follows an agreement among the three First Nations, the British Columbia government and MaMook Natural Resources, with financial support from the charity Nature United; the areas were previously part of a single larger licence held by MaMook. Key details: - The three new tree farm licences total about 52,000 hectares, with Ahousaht responsible for roughly 33,000 hectares. - The areas were formerly part of a single licence with harvesting rights held by MaMook Natural Resources. - The agreement involved the Ahousaht, Hesquiaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, the British Columbia government, MaMook and funding from Nature United. - The nations intend to set governance systems and stewardship priorities focused on ecosystem-based forestry, biodiversity and carbon storage. - Ahousaht leaders described the intended approach as smaller-scale, high-quality forestry that balances ecological integrity with economic and social value. Summary: The transfer gives the three First Nations direct control over management and sets priorities that emphasize ecological integrity alongside economic and social value from timber. Ahousaht plans to work with experts and advisers on a comprehensive strategy centered on biodiversity, carbon storage and local opportunities. Undetermined at this time are detailed operational timelines and specific management plans.