In response to Mosaic Forest Management's proposed logging activity on Cortes Island, announced in January, a public meeting was held outdoors at the Village Commons lot in Mansons Landing on March 12. More than 30 people attended on the cold and rainy day under a tent set up for the event.

The gathering was announced and hosted by Regional Director Noba Anderson to "create a facilitated and supportive space for us to come together and share information with each other."

The meeting began with an acknowledgement of Indigenous lands by visiting Nippissing First Nation member Joey O'Jeek, followed by a retrospective of logging on Cortes Island presented by Mike Moore. Sustainable forest management was also reviewed, led by Bruce Ellingsen.

Kristen Scofield Sweet, who facilitated the discussion, recognized that while there is no formal organization to respond to Mosaic, the response does rely on involvement of Cortes Islanders, particularly those representing younger generations.

Meeting participants explored many possible responses to logging on the island by Mosaic. O'Jeek later said that solutions already exist in local First Nations traditions and culture.

In their Activity Update of March 2022, Mosaic Forest Management reports that for their 3-year plan on Cortes, their proposed harvest includes approximately 11 hectares per year.  The company has scheduled two field walks for the public to review some of the proposed harvest locations, both on April 21, 2022. They also plan to host an Open House this summer - dates to be announced.

Listen to Kristen Scofield Sweet and Joey O'Jeek in this interview: