Old-growth forest activists suspend 18-metre banner near Highway 1 [Video]

It was hung to grab the attention of morning commuters.

The 18-metre banner – reading “Walbran forever” – was put up by activists between two trees along Highway 1, near Thetis Lake.

The message is meant to raise awareness for the protection of Vancouver Island’s old-growth forests, particularly in the Walbran Valley near Lake Cowichan.

“It’s a forest with 1,000-year-old trees and it needs to be protected forever,” said Will O’Connell, one of the activists involved.

O’Connell worked through the night with his friend Hugo Lefrancois to raise the banner. The pair say they are not associated with any organized group, they are just concerned citizens with a message.

In November of 2021, the province temporarily deferred logging in priority old-growth forests in B.C., including the Walbran Valley.

O’Connell said that deferral has now expired, once again threatening the old-growth forests.

“Currently there are proposed cut-blocks that could soon become …