Virginia Thompson, of Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada writes:

My relationship with Clayoquot Sound began in 1974. Tofino was still a small fishing village, and magnificent Long Beach was deserted. I fell in love with Clayoquot Sound and it has been a life-long affair.

Although I have travelled to many of the world’s most beautiful places, never have I found a place that so touched me. There is a primordial beauty in the Sound that is powerful, spiritual. When I visit I always feel I have come home.

In 1989, I joined FOCS. In 1993, I returned to stand on the blockades after the government opened the door for logging.

The Peace Camp and the blockades were an outpouring of caring for this place by the community, as well as by people from all over the world. Never before had I experienced such a sense of community and respect. FOCS was at the heart of this and remains perhaps the most authentic environmental group I know precisely because of its grassroots. As part of the community, the Friends understand local issues intimately.

However, the protection of the Sound cannot be left only to the local community. Clayoquot Sound is a rare treasure which we have a responsibility to preserve not only for our country, but for the world, for ourselves and for our children.