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World’s Largest Douglas Fir Tree may be in Danger

red creek fir Worlds Largest Douglas Fir Tree may be in Danger

Image Source: Edited screen capture from Flickr.

Over the last few weeks, Vancouver was home to the 2010 Winter Olympics. Polar Bear campaigns, LEED certified venues, and e-waste medals were reported in the news, along with quite the number of victories and tragedies that happened this year. Even though the Olympics have finally come to an end, it does not mean that Vancouver’s environmental troubles are over. One particular tree is a prime example of this.

If you’ve ever been to Vancouver Island, you may have been lucky enough to visit the famous Red Creek Fir Tree. Located in Port Renfrew, this tree is the world’s largest Douglas Fir; with a height over 242 feet (73.8 m) and a trunk that’s nearly 14 feet (4.2 m) wide. Environmentalists are concerned that this ancient tree may soon fall victim to all the deforestation that has been occurring in the area.

According to Ken Wu, co-founder of the Ancient Forest Alliance:

“They’ve already logged almost 90% of the old-growth forests on the south island, including 99% of the ancient Douglas Firs.”

While there are no immediate plans to log in the area of the Red Creek Fir, the AFA is collaborating with Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca’s Liberal MP, Keith Martin, in an effort to gain protection for the trees. To be more specific, Martin created a proposal that will require the identification and protection of the 100 largest and oldest trees of every species found within the province. Right now, there are no provincial laws that protect the ancient trees of British Columbia.

To find out more about the Ancient Forest Alliance, their campaign, and learn how you may be able to help, check out their official website here.

By Heidi Marshall

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