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Ingram-Mooto Internet Action
FAN Press Release -- 9 July, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
"INTERNET BLOCKADE" OF WESTERN FOREST PRODUCTS
IMAGES VIA SATELLITE
9 July, 1998
(Ingram-Mooto Valley, BC) Today, the Forest Action Network (FAN) began broadcasting images via satellite, direct from Western Forest Products logging operations on the Central Coast.
Western Forest Products (WFP) is continuing to blast roads into the Ingram-Mooto watershed in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. FAN activists are onsite with digital cameras, computers, and satellite communications to let the world view for themselves the destruction caused by WFP.
The Ingram-Mooto is located 30 miles north of Bella Bella at the head of Spiller Inlet. It is one of a mere 69 intact valleys out of 353 that were originally pristine. THe Ingram is prime trout habitat, and Spiller Inlet is rich in herring. Due to the valley's importance to the Heiltsuk First Nation, the Vickers family as well as the Hemas Council have asked WFP to stop logging the Ingram-Mooto, but WFP has so far refused.
WEBSITE: http://www.fanweb.org/ingram
For more information please contact:
M/V Starlet onsite: 1-600-700-2884 (sat phone)
Forest Action Network Bella Coola: 250-799-5800
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STATEMENT BY MARY VICKERS JR.:
"Yau Estokwa. I have invited Forest Action Network to document the proposed logging plans for the Ingram so as myself and my unborn grandchildren can see it and feel our ancestors' spirits. I, Mary Vickers, take reponsibility for FAN being in the Ingram. I will continue fighting for my ancestors and my unborn grandchildren. Walas Giaxsixva."
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Update from the M/V Starlet:
"The M/V Starlet arrived in the Ingram-Mooto at approximatly 1 o'clock on Wednesday, 8 July. THe voyage was uncomplicated, the water was flat and the crew is happy, well fed, and communicating well. The weather has been wonderful, sunny yesterday and rainy today.
We have already taken lots of pictures for the website of the road building which is moving ahead very quickly-up to 100 meters a day. We hear blasting at least twice a day. It is difficult to only take pictures. While photographing we have spoken to many of the workers on the site. Most of them are friendly people, willing to listen to why we are here even if they don't share our opinion. All of them are worries about their jobs, which is understandable.
The RCMP have come to the boat twice already just to check that all is well, and a WFP helicopter has flown over us a few times- we are being watched very closely!
That's all for now- we'll keep you updated.
Best wishes from the crew of the M/V Starlet
Network,
Box 625
Bella Coola, BC
Canada V0T 1C0;
Bella Coola Phone: (250) 799-5800.
Fax: (250) 799-5830
Vancouver Phone:
(604) 739-4782
E-mail
fanbc@envirolink.org
Webmasters:
Dang Ngo
Deryk Wenaus
FAN works to replace industrial clearcutting
with community-based ecoforestry.