Overview
PROTECTED AREAS CASE STUDY
The Protected Areas Case Study centres on the ancient cedar forests of the upper Fraser River watershed. This case describes the characteristics that make this ancient forest a globally-unique ecological system. The application is about a proposal to protect this ecosystem.
Case. Ancient Forests of the Upper Fraser
The ancient forests of the upper Fraser River watershed are part of a globally-unique ecological system known as British Columbia’s interior temperate rainforest. This case provides context for why the ancient cedars should be protected under provincial land use policy. Examined from multiple perspectives, this case weaves together the interests of recreational hikers, conservationists, scientists, and policy-makers. Learners should pay attention to the interplay between land use policy and an emerging understanding of the scientific significance of this ecosystem. The story presented in this case ends before the province made a decision about how to protect these ancient forests.
Application. Proposal to Protect the Ancient Forests
BC Parks is assessing the feasibility of protecting the ancient forest. The options considered are a combination of (a) type of protected area and (b) geographic scope of the protected area. The learner’s task is to present an argument for a solution that considers the preservation of natural environments, use and enjoyment of the public, and the socio-economic interests of area residents.
Learning modules that support this case study
This Learning Module describes lands designated as parks and other protected areas under British Columbia (BC) legislation, which is one of two distinct perspectives on protected areas in British. The other distinct perspective is Indigenous-led protected areas.
This Learning Module describes lands designated as parks and other protected areas by Indigenous Nations, which is one of two distinct perspectives on protected areas in British Columbia (BC). The other distinct perspective is protected areas designated under BC legislation.
This module presents the results of research on forest values among residents of the upper Fraser River. Forest values describe the ways in which people care about forests, including includes six types of values grouped under the categories of material and non-material: life support; economic; moral/ethical; aesthetic; socio-cultural; and spiritual.
This Learning Module describes land use policy developments from 1994 to 2010 that are related to the Ancient Forest Trail and the surrounding forests. The Ancient Forest Trail, located in the upper Fraser River watershed, was built by volunteers and was the foundation that led to creating the new Ancient Forest/Chun T’oh Whudujut protected area.
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