Castanet – May 10, 2026 / 8:11 am
Representatives from 37 southern interior local governments voted recently to support protections for old-growth ecosystems across the province, including the Rainbow-Jordan Wilderness outside Revelstoke.
Meeting in Revelstoke for the Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA) convention, delegates passed a resolution calling on the province of British Columbia to work with First Nations and communities to protect endangered old-growth forests and the biodiversity, climate resilience and cultural values they provide.
The resolution has now been supported by the City of Revelstoke, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, and local governments throughout the region, from Lillooet to Osoyoos, Clinton and Blue River.
Located just north of Revelstoke, the Rainbow-Jordan Wilderness contains one of the rarest ecosystems on Earth: ancient Inland Temperate Rainforest. The area is home to western red cedars more than 1,000 years old and provides critical habitat for many rare and at-risk species.
Beyond the Rainbow-Jordan, the resolution reflects growing concern from communities across B.C.’s southern interior about the ongoing loss of old-growth forests and the need for stronger protections.
“We’re really encouraged to see this level of support from local governments in the southern interior,” said Reanne Harvey, North Columbia conservation campaigner for Wildsight.
“Communities understand the immense ecological and cultural value of old-growth forests, and they want to see these ecosystems protected for future generations. Now it’s time for the province to work with First Nations and communities to make that happen.”
- The list of local governments can be found on SILGA’s website here: https://silga.ca/about-us/
