New Blockade Reclaims Boreal Forests from Weyerhaueser

[struggle4progress]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JULY 26, 2006
2:23 PM

CONTACT: Rainforest Action Network
Sam Haswell, Communications Director, [phone] x319
Brianna Cayo Cotter, Media Specialist, [phone] x357

New Blockade Reclaims Boreal Forests from Weyerhaueser

ONTARIO, Canada - July 26 - Asserting rights to their traditionall territory, members of the Grassy Narrows First Nation and dozens of supporters today blocked access to trucks hauling logs from clear-cut logging operations north of Kenora, Ontario, to Weyerhaeuser's Trus Joist mill. Research conducted by Rainforest Action Network indicates approximately 2,500 trees are hauled out of clear cuts via English River Road every day despite strenuous objections from the native community. The English River Road blockade is expected to continue for the next few days, signaling the beginning of a reinvigorated era of roving blockades around Grassy Narrows to stop logging companies Weyerhaeuser and Abitibi from further logging without community consent.

The English River blockade is the second protest by the Grassy Narrows community in as many weeks and the latest development in a decade long campaign to end logging without the native community's consent. Supporters from Rainforest Action Network are challenging the "environmentally friendly" reputation of Timberstrand products manufactured at Weyerhaeuser's Kenora mill, most of which supply the booming US housing market.

Last Thursday, July 13th, over 80 supporters blocked traffic on the Transcanada Highway. The following day, Ontario Provicial Police officers established checkpoints on Highway 671, arresting 9 allegedly involved in the protest. Supporters criticized the OPP for jailing and interrogating people of color including several First Nations individuals, while Caucasians among the arrestees were released with a citation. Hearings in the case will take place Sept 18th in Kenora ...

http://www.commondreams.org/news2006/0726-15.htm