About Cai Creek

No roads,
only trees

Cai Creek was mapped as a 70-80% intact watershed by BC’s Old Growth Technical Advisory Panel in 2021. Intact means there has been limited current human disturbance like roads or logging. The Cai Creek forest is home to many 250-400+ year old fir, cedar, and pine – including BC’s largest Ponderosa Pine (Lieutenant Dan). Parts of Cai Creek re-grew after a fire in 1934, but many old growth trees were left standing. What exists today is a diverse and established forest ecosystem. Unfortunately, Cai Creek is not considered old growth by the Ministry of Forests and has no protections from logging.

Full of old trees

Hundreds or thousands of old growth cedar, fir, and pine grow in Cai Creek, including BC’s largest Ponderosa Pine, estimated to be over 600 years old.

A haven for wildlife

The natural growth and death of trees in Cai Creek over decades has created a diverse habitat for deer, elk, bear, birds and countless other species.

Intact and undisturbed

Watersheds without any roads or logging are rare in the Kootenays. Cai Creek is still intact which provides protection for all species that live in this forest.

Logging Plans

BC Timber Sales will auction Cai Creek for logging in 2025

BC Timber Sales – the province’s timber agency – identify Cai Creek for logging in 2020. Since then, the cutblock has been mapped and is planned for auction in January to March 2025. Logging in Cai Creek will leave a 2 km by 300 m clearcut across the entire drainage, disturbing nearly 20% of the watershed be easily visible from Castlegar. Two additional cutblocks near the Bombi pass will be sold along with Cai Creek.