The Avatar Grove boardwalk project near Sooke will finally be finished construction after four years and many volunteer hours.

It will include the finishing touches, volunteers with the Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA) will be building a new platform, stairs, steps, and walkways, and install signage, on the major project.

B次元官网网址淭he Avatar GroveB次元官网网址檚 real significance is that it serves as an example to other communities that protecting old-growth forests benefits the economy by hugely bolstering local businesses and jobs,B次元官网网址� said Ken Wu, executive director of the Ancient Forest Alliance.B次元官网网址淚n helping to revitalize Port RenfrewB次元官网网址檚 economy, it has clearly counteracted the old, false narrative that saving old-growth forests harms the local economy. The Avatar Grove and its boardwalk have been the most important catalyst for B.C.B次元官网网址檚 ancient forest movement in recent times and have helped to shape the fate of endangered forests across the province.B次元官网网址�

The Avatar Grove, located about 20 minutes from Port Renfrew, is home to one of the most spectacular and easily accessible stands of monumental old-growth trees in B.C. and has become among B.C.B次元官网网址檚 most popular old-growth forest tourism destinations.

The AFA explained that old-growth forests are vital to sustaining endangered species, climate stability, tourism, clean water, wild salmon, and the cultures of many First Nations.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a magical landscape,B次元官网网址� said TJ Watt, Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA) boardwalk coordinator. B次元官网网址淵ou have ancient Red Cedars and Douglas Firs that can be over 500 years old with trunks as wide as 14ft in diametre, with huge alien shaped burrows growing off the trees, and moss and furns all around.B次元官网网址�

On BCB次元官网网址檚 southern coast, satellite photos show that at least 75% of the original, productive old-growth forests have been logged, including well over 90% of the valley bottoms where the largest trees grow. Only about 8% of Vancouver IslandB次元官网网址檚 original, productive old-growth forests are protected in parks and Old-Growth Management Areas.

B次元官网网址淧ort Renfrew has branded itself as the tall-tree capital of Canda so the more accessable that Avatar Grove is to visitors the more people will come and visit the town and maybe stay at a bed and breakfast. It shows that protection of old growth forests can actually be good for the economy rather than hinder it.B次元官网网址�

Old-growth forests have trees up to 2,000 years old and are a non-renewable resource under B.C.B次元官网网址檚 system of forestry, where as second-growth forests are re-logged every 50 to 100 years, never become old-growth again.

Watt explained that the Avatar Grove was originally an area that was supposed to be logged, but now it has been protected and will help the economy in Port Renfrew by increasing ecotourism.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 excited every time I go there, and the almost the minute we get a project finshed a group of poeple walks by and says thanks so thereB次元官网网址檚 a real tangable reward in building these different projects. IB次元官网网址檓 excited to experience this ancient forest first-hand and have an enjoyable time while doing it,B次元官网网址� said Watt. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 like a window back in time.B次元官网网址�