An emergency order to protect the northern spotted owl, a species at risk, has been denied by the federal government, causing anger among the Spuzzum First Nation in British Columbia. Chief James Hobart stated that the community is “furious” with the decision outlined in a letter from the Canadian Wildlife Service, a division of the Department of Environment. The letter stated that the government would not implement the emergency order to prevent logging in two watersheds within Spuzzum Nation territory, despite previous claims by Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault that logging posed an “imminent threat” to the species’ survival.
Hobart mentioned that Guilbeault visited Spuzzum earlier this year and witnessed the situation firsthand. However, there has been no further engagement with the nation, except for a subsequent letter suggesting a “collaborative approach” with the provincial government and Indigenous communities. Hobart expressed disappointment, stating that they needed Guilbeault’s support and not just empty words.
In response, Environment and Climate Change Canada claimed that Guilbeault fulfilled his obligations under the Species at Risk Act by submitting the recommendation to cabinet. The government acknowledged the need for further action to support the spotted owl’s recovery, emphasizing collaboration with British Columbia and First Nations as the preferred approach. The federal government is currently working with partners to negotiate a nature conservation agreement that will support initiatives such as habitat protection and breeding-and-release programs for the spotted owl.
Hobart emphasized the cultural significance of the spotted owl to First Nations and its role as an indicator of the health of old-growth forests. He argued that preserving the spotted owl population is crucial for the well-being of the ecosystem, extending beyond the value of lumber. The Wilderness Committee, an environmental group, has called for a judicial review of the minister’s decision, questioning whether it complies with the federal Species at Risk Act.
Overall, the federal government’s decision to deny the emergency order for the spotted owl has sparked anger and disappointment among the Spuzzum First Nation and other Indigenous communities. The situation highlights the importance of collaboration and timely action in protecting endangered species and managing natural resources.
Source: The Globe and Mail
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