The largest intact old-growth rain forest left on Vancouver Island has been opened to logging. Clayoquot Sound, a popular ecotourism destination in western British Columbia, was at the heart of Canada's largest-ever environmental protest in 1993. Twelve thousand people gathered in the area to protest the designation of 62% of the land for logging. Over eight hundred were arrested.

Much of the area has been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, but eight watersheds have been endorsed for potential logging plans. Forestry companies must submit protection plans for public consultation before any roads will be built.

Clayoquot Sound and Tofino are world-renowned for their beauty. You can go camping close to nature, stay at a luxury wilderness retreat and spa, or take a guided kayak tour or sit on the shore and watch whales go by.

Once you've done that - or even if you just like the idea - you may wish to help preserve the area. The environmental group Friends of Clayoquot Sound lists government contacts to whom you can send your opinion:

Minister Bell (Agriculture and Lands) and Guy Louie and Jim Lornie the First Nation and Provincial chairs of the Clayoquot Sound Central Region Board)
Room 137, Parliament Buildings, Victoria, BC V8V 1X4
Phone: 250 387-1023 Fax: 250 387-1522
E-mail: pat.bell.mla@leg.bc.ca

Clayoquot Sound Central Region Board
Attention: Guy Louie and Jim Lornie
Phone: 250-726-2446 X34
Email: crb@ukeecable.net

So much environmentalism is by necessity reactive, trying to stop damage before it happens or repair damage that's been done. We'd like to take a look at some blogs run by people who are helping to promote sustainability and good ecological practices, or who give you a closer look at their region so you can see why it might be worth saving.

• Yellowknife resident Kevin Kennedy documents his efforts to live a sustainable, ecologically conscious life.
• Groovy Green - great ideas, inventions and more for reducing your footprint.
• The Gristmill blog, run by environmental magazine Grist, updates frequently with both good and bad news.
• Over in the UK, we find stories from "city hippies" trying to live greener lives, as well as a family refitting their home to be more energy-efficient and self-sufficient.