I am writing this because of what is happening to our Douglas fir trees and to our wild game in the Sea to Sky Corridor. These things are important not just to First Nations, but to everyone. This has to get addressed because I don’t like what I see happening.
There’s this worm that is making a meal of and living in our fir. It transforms in the bark and eventually goes right inside the wood. The damaging part is when they are under the bark for so long. The needles from the fir start to fall and eventually turn orange.
The woodpecker is also damaging the fir tree. It pecks at the tree and makes a new home for the bugs to live in. When this happens, it totally stresses the tree out until it can’t take it anymore.
I also must say that climate change plays a roll in what is going on with our species of trees. This affects the animals; they lose the old growth that provides a dry spot in the winter, away from the snow.
What soon will happen to the deer? Other animals also depend on the trees for shelter. Plus, the more of these trees that lose these needles, the less good air the tree can put out for us — and animals — to breathe.
The forestry industry needs to take these things seriously. They better think twice. It is bad enough that the trees, shrubs etc are all fighting for nutrition.
Further, I see a lot of dogs chasing deer and other wild animals in the woods. That is our winter food. Dog owners, feed your dogs twice a day and maybe they won’t go out and chase wild game. Deer and game is really important to First Nations people.
