(Mount Prevost, Municipal Forest Reserve)
Election questionnaire shows North Cowichan candidates strongly support forest co-management with First Nations in Municipal Forest Reserve
'Cultural, ecological, biological and recreational values' cited as greater than logging
Nine of 14 candidates for North Cowichan council seek an end to commercial logging in the Municipal Forest Reserve and/or continued talks with Quw'utsun Nation leading to a co-management agreement, according to the results of a questionnaire released today by Common Ground Cowichan Alliance.
Other questions posed to North Cowichan candidates covered issues such as farms and food security, data centres, open government, Cowichan estuary, affordable housing, climate adaptation, public transit, smart growth, homelessness, etc.
Candidates for the City of Duncan, Cowichan Valley School District and Cowichan Valley Regional District were also asked questions. Visit https://commongroundcowichan.org/questionnaire/ and scroll down.
The forest question: Will you commit to keeping the Municipal Forest Reserve free from commercial logging and to continuing the co-management partnership with Quw'utsun Nation?
Four candidates — Bruce Findlay, Tek Manhas, Mike Caljouw and Becky Hogg — did not provide a response.
Brian Chambers said he did not have enough knowledge of the subject to take a position.
Here are the nine responses: (Note that not all candidates responded to both parts of the question. Whether a co-management agreement ultimately allows for logging of any type is unknown.)
Rob Douglas: “Yes. I voted against the proposal brought before Council in 2025 to resume commercial logging in the Municipal Forest Reserve, which would have jeopardized North Cowichan's work to date with the Quw'utsun Nation to develop a co-management partnership. During my term as Mayor, I have developed stronger relationships with the Quw'utsun Nation leadership, and hope to build on this.”
Chris Wilkinson: “Yes I fully commit to respecting the co-management partnership with Quw'utsun Nation. Any decisions regarding the Municipal Forest Reserve will be in alignment with the co-management framework.”
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Krystal Adams: “Absolutely I would support this. We asked our community what it wanted, and I believe council should respect that direction. These forests are part of what makes North Cowichan special, protects our watershed, and remain deeply important to Quw'utsun Nation. I support continuing the co-management partnership and strengthening that relationship through meaningful action.”
Don Allingham: “we don't need to be log (sic) our municipal forest, we need forest for wildlife to have a place they call home…”
Joyce Behnsen: "I commit to co-management with Quw'utsun Nation. Forestry is a renewable resource when using best management and ecological practices. North Cowichan has replanted thousands of trees. Properly maintained forests reduce fire risks and can supply wood for local uses."
Chris Istace: “In 2018 I stood before North Cowichan council advocating for a pause on logging. I wrote on my website at www.ChrisIstace.com on the subject and ultimately was a catalyst for why I ran for council in 2022. I have not changed my stance that the forests are best stewarded with Quw'utsun Nation for their cultural, ecological, biological and recreational values and not logging.”
Christopher Justice: “I support the results of the community engagement process that showed residents overwhelmingly support conservation models of forest management. I have supported the ongoing work toward a co-management framework with the Quw'utsun Nation, and I believe decisions about the forest should be made through that collaborative process.”
(Councillor Christopher Justice)
Derek Masselink: “I support the protection of the MFR in a manner that aligns with the interests of First Nations and our community. The MFR is an exceptional and unique asset. It should be managed carefully — particularly now that we understand the additional values it provides. That said, to maintain its health will require active management, which may include some selective cutting and brushing.”
Valerie Russell: “Yes. I support keeping the Municipal Forest Reserve free from commercial logging and continuing co-management with Quw’utsun Nation. The Reserve protects biodiversity, watersheds and areas of the rare Coastal Douglas-fir ecosystem, while providing recreation and cultural value. We should respect the extensive public process and protect these forests for future generations.”
(Council candidate Valerie Russell)
An on-line survey in 2023 showed 76-per-cent public support for two conservation-based management options for the forest, while a statistically valid random phone survey of residents showed 67-per-cent support. The detailed consultation process cost about $300,000.
In August 2025, Manhas, Findlay, Caljouw and Hogg sought to make renewed logging in the forest reserve a strategic priority in 2026.
But all that changed in November after a presentation from Halalt Chief James Thomas. Hundreds of people also wrote to oppose renewed logging.
(Halalt Chief James Thomas addresses council)
Council voted unanimously to complete a co-management framework and plan in partnership with Quw’utsun Nation prior to any reconsideration of forest harvesting as a strategic priority.
Twenty-one working group meetings between the two parties have been held from February 2022 to August 2026.
What’s being discussed?
The municipality has stated: “The co-management framework and plan will include partner alignment on a number of areas, including shared decision making, economic and employment opportunities, recognition of key Indigenous forest management practices, stewardship of culturally sensitive areas, revenue sharing, recreation and future trail development, access, and economic opportunities.”
The forest reserve is part of the coastal Douglas-fir forest, the most endangered forest type in BC due to human development and logging on southeastern Vancouver Island.
Learn more about this forest type and why it is endangered: https://www.sixmountains.ca/article/5b6ea833-de31-45f0-9c05-616a3283a050 )
This is the 11th instalment of the special Six Mountains column, Election Notebook, leading up to the October 17 municipal election.
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— Larry Pynn, Oct. 1, 2026
