Forestry…our incredible legacy

Before the arrival of Europeans, the First Nations people used the forests for homes, canoes, tools, fuel and clothing. In particular, the western red cedar was used for ceremonies, clothing, social and economic purposes because of its resilience and easily workable nature.  Today, forests and forest resources remain an important part of First Nation economies and culture.

As early as 1778, with the arrival of Captain James Cook the use of the forests took on new meaning and importance for all those who chose to make the Pacific West Coast home. By the early 1880’s a number of small logging companies began to cut down trees close to the water and sawmills were established along the coast to cut the timber for export. The Hudson’s Bay Company built the first sawmill in BC at Victoria in 1847.

BC loggers are known for placing a spring board into the tree, where two men would stand to chop at the tree with heavy double edged axes.  During this time logging and forest practices were done by hand and where possible horse and oxen were utilized for relief of the incredible back breaking work.

By the late 1800’s the importance and demand for lumber mounted and railways were build to reach loggin camps. By 1912 there were 365 kilometres of logging track on the British Columbia coast.  The increased demand and improving technologies to harvest and transport trees was the beginning of one of the most important industry legacies for British Columbia…

Today, the impacts on forests and the forest industry have been significant. Climate change, insect infestation (like the Pine Beetle), and a variety of other complex factors have forever changed the forest industry in BC.  The challenges have inspired us to be more attentive to forest management practices rooted in sustainability and environment responsibility.

Indeed, the BC Forest industry was instrumental in building BC and the province we enjoy to much today.

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Grouse Mask by Campbell River artist Raymond Shaw of Kwakiutl heritage. This stunning mask is carved in yellow cedar with cedar bark decoration. Total dimensions including cedar accents, 20” by 12”…buy it now just in time for Christmas!

Find a great selection Museum Gift Shop Products online at Wagsta.com…Click Here

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The Campbell River Museum maintains collections and archives from Campbell River’s wide and diverse history, culture and community.  For more information about your local Campbell River Museum, call 250-287-3103 or visit www.crmuseum.ca