Feasibility Analysis of Free-Use Permits for the Development of a Cedar Conservation Strategy: Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia

Abstract

Historically, cedar has been the cultural keystone species of the Haida First Nation. At present, due to a variety of pressures on the resource, an effective strategy is required for the conservation of western redcedar (Thu/a plicata) and yellow-cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis) for traditional and cultural uses by the Haida First Nation in Haida Gwaii/ Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia One approach, the "Coast Forest Region Guidelines for Managing Cedar for Cultural Purposes" outlines three preliminaiy requirements for the development of a cedar conservation strategy: a)identify cultural cedar needs, b) assess cultural cedar supply, and c) formulate management decisions and recommendations based on these results. The current study focuses on the first requirement, cedar needs, by undertaking an analysis of free-use permits (FUPs) issued by the Ministry of Forests, British Columbia for the harvesting of Crown timber for cultural purposes (Section 49, Forest Act). Through an analysis of FUP records data current cultural cedar uses are identified, recent trends in cedar use and demand over time are quantified, and estimates of future cedar volumes required by the Haida for the short and long-term are projected. Minimum target volumes for the conservation of red and yellow cedar for future cultural uses are derived from these. Parameters regarding accessibility requirements for cultural cedar trees are discussed. Results indicate that if future trends in cultural cedar use continue at a rate similar to the recent demand, a steady increasing trend over time, the potential annual target volume may be estimated at I I, 720m3 by 2050. This study will determine the feasibility of using FUPs, the only data available to the Ministry of Forests, to predict the scope of future cultural cedar demand in Haida Gwaii/ Queen Charlotte Islands, and propose further recommendations for reliable cedar conservation planning.