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Home » Issues » Wood Not Waste
Wood Not Waste
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THE LOG SALVAGE
PROJECT
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THE BENEFITS
OF THE LOG
SALVAGE PROJECT
- Protect and restore
Vital habitat in the
Fraser River Estuary
- Create direct and
indirect jobs in the
forest sector
- Provide a unique
opportunity for
public education
- Reduce the amount
of wood debris
fouling beaches and
public shorelines
- Generate increased
funds for debris
control and marsh
clean up efforts
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wood
not
waste
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Stray logs are destroying marshes in the Fraser
River Estuary. Useable wood is going to waste.
Our green business project will help clear debris,
restore marsh habitat, utilize otherwise wasted
wood, and create ongoing employment.
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THE FRASER RIVER ESTUARY
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An ecological jewel in danger
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THE
Fraser River has the largest and most biologically pro-
ductive estuary on the Pacific Coast of North America.
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Every year thousands of cubic metres
of logs are left to drift on the Fraser,
in a sad testament to a log salvage
system that simply is not working.
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This ecological jewel provides critical habitat for millions of waterfowl and shorebirds, and over 20 species of birds of prey, which all congregate at the mouth of this river at various times of the year. Every year up to 800 million juvenile salmon migrate down the Fraser - the largest salmon producing river in the world. The salt marshes inthe estuary provide critical habitat for young fish as they acclimatize to salt water.
However, less than 30% of the original marshes have survived urbanization. many of these remaining wetlands are severely degreaded by accumulations of wood debris - the number one threat of these ecosystems. Every year thousands of cubic metres of logs are left to drift on the Fraser, piling up on beaches and marshes in a sad testament to a log salvage system that simply is not working.
Stray logs can also be killers. In February of 2004, two boaters off Tsawwassen narrowly avoided drowning when their fishing boat capsized after striking a deadhead in the water. The Canadian Coast Guard reports more than 60 documented incidents in BC waters between 1999 and 2003 where vessels collided with stray logs and either required assistance or rescue.
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We are working with the beachcombers to introduce some
much needed competition in the marketing of salvaged logs.
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Beachcombers are leaving many
logs to drift because they would
lose money picking them up
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ISN'T WOOD DEBRIS GOOD FOR FISH HABITAT?
In nature, stable woody debris such as logs plays a vital role in contributing to the complexity of fish habitat. For instance natural logs tend to have a root-wad which typically becomes anchored in a river bank, creating pools and cover for juvenile fish.
However, most of the logs that accumulate in the lower Fraser are not "stable" because they have cut ends. Without a root-wad, these logs move with boat wakes and tides, crushing and smothering wetland plants.
WHY IS WOOD LEFT TO DRIFT?
Under existing provincial regulations, permitted log salvors (beachcombers) must only return salvaged logs to a "licenced receiving station". However, since 1954 there has only been one such facility. this lack of competition has led to a situation where the economics of log salvage is currently very poor. Beachcombers who make their living collecting wood are leaving many logs to drift for the simple reason that they would lose money picking them up.
OUR SOLUTION
We are working with local beachcombers to introduce some much needed competition in the safle of salvaged logs. through innovative marketing, we can make use of much of this otherwise wasted wood - helping the environment and providing local jobs.
LEAS has helped salvors form a proucer co-op called the Western Log Sort and Salvage Co-op. This co-op is now applying to the provincial government for a licence to operate an alternate receiving station where salvors can deliver recovered wood. If approved, this operation will take logs out of the water, carefully sort them according to end use and sell them through open auction.
Innovative marketing is key to adding value to salvaged wood and ensuring that these logs are put back in the market place rather than going to waste. Revenues from the sale of unmarked logs currently being left to drift will increase the overall funding available for debris control efforts such as the Fraser River Debris Trap.
There aslo appears to be a strong likelihood that wood sold through this project could be certified under the "SmartWood" program, in recognition of the environmental benefit of removing drift logs from the river. This certification would qualify towards the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standard, which is a building requirement of the 2010 Olympic Games.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP
This innovative project needs BC government approval to move forward. the deadline for public comments is March 5, 2005. Support from individuals and organizations is now crucial.
Letters of support can be submitted to:
Contact the Minister of Forests directly:
Honourable Mike de Jong, Minister of Forests
Room 128, Parliament Buildings
Victoria, B.C. V8V 1X4
Fax: (250) 387-1040
Email mike.dejong.mla@leg.bc.caDonations made out to
the Labour Environmental Alliance Society
would be gratefully accepted and can
be sent to the address below.
Donations over $10 are tax-deductible.
Labour Environmental Alliance Society
1203 - 207 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6B 1H7
Tel: (604) 669-1921
Fax: (604) 696-9627
Email: info@leas.ca Download PDF
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About LEAS
The Labour Environmental Alliance Society is a charitable non-profit society with a mandate to protect the environment and to facilitate the creation of green jobs.
Last year LEAS was the recipient of the prestigious Pollution Prevention Award, given annually by Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment.
For more information on LEAS
visit our website at:
www.leas.ca
For more information on
Wood, Not Waste
contact Project Coordinator
Mitchell Anderson at:
1203 - 207 West Hastings St.
Vancouver BC, V6B 1H7
Tel: 604.669.1921
Cell: 778.895.1530
Fax: 604.696.9627
Email: manderson@kwik.net
THIS PROJECT WAS MADE
POSSIBLE THROUGH THE
GENEROUS SUPPORT OF:
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| © Copyright Labour Environmental Society 2005 |
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