A Sunday Drive Through Towering Trees and Coastal Breezes
By Sarah Sutton, Woodlots BC Communications Coordinator
What’s better than a day spent in the great outdoors, exploring the lush, green woodlots of southern Vancouver Island? With Ed Hughes, Woodlots BC’s Coastal Rep and local woodlot licensee, as my knowledgeable guide, we embarked on an adventure that felt like a woodland treasure hunt, weaving through towering Coastal Douglas-firs, moss-draped Western Red Cedars, and the occasional whisper of sea salt carried on the breeze. This is the summary of “A Woodlot Day”—a quick dive into the world of sustainable forest management and natural wonder.
Stop 1: Vancouver Island University – Woodlot 0020
Our first stop brought us to Vancouver Island University Woodlot 0020 near Nanaimo, a serene oasis bordered by Mount Benson Regional Park. This woodlot is more than just trees—it’s a beloved playground for recreational visitors, from hikers to dog walkers. The well-placed signage helps identify the woodlot and ensures visitors can enjoy it with ease.
Harvesting here is done with care, keeping aesthetics in mind to preserve the natural beauty of the area. With its steep slopes adding an adventurous twist, the team managing this woodlot embraces the challenge of balancing sustainability and community enjoyment.
Here we met Marty, woodlot neighbour and avid dog walker. He claims to be Woodlot 0020’s best advocate and security system. Marty walks 8-10km daily and comes across a plethora of recreationalists, taking every opportunity to ask if they know that they are on a woodlot. Marty communicates regularly with the woodlot’s management, especially if any issues arise.
Stop 2: Rick Heikkila – Woodlot 0012
Next, we journeyed to Rick Heikkila’s Woodlot 0012, a hotspot for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. With the trails managed in partnership with the Nanaimo Mountain Bike Club, the woodlot is crisscrossed with lively mountain bike routes, alongside nearby motocross activity. The pulsing energy of this woodlot was palpable, as it meshes recreation with sustainable forestry.
Ed explained that while there are renegade trail builders and roadside campers that can create some logistical issue with woodlot management, overall the recreational users are respectful of the area.
Story after story filled the cab of the truck as we travelled further north, with Ed pointing out woodlots along the way and all the species of trees (Cascara being a new one for me!).
Stop 3: Huock Resource Consultants – Woodlot 1466
Our final destination was Huock’s Woodlot 1466 near Courtenay, a forest marvel that has been meticulously managed by Ed Hughes and Mike Larock for more than 30 years. This woodlot stands as a testament to future-focused sustainability, with small patch cuts of 1-2 hectares and careful commercial thinning, all done with small equipment and hand-falling.
Bordered by rural acreages, this woodlot sees a steady hum of hikers, bikers, and dog walkers who share the space. Its hidden treasures? A sprawling wetland, the majestic Browns River, and even its own gravel pit! Every element of this woodlot speaks to thoughtful stewardship, from its planned harvesting and visible signage to the emphasis on contractor safety.
We met another dog walker here, Deb – a longtime neighbour of the woodlot. Ed and Deb chatted energetically about the woodlot and our day in the woods. She expressed how much she loved having a beautiful, private walking area in her backyard. The irony wasn’t lost on me that the entire time we were standing in one of Huock’s recent cutblocks with logging equipment nearby and cedar logs piled on the side of the road ready to be picked up by the pole truck.
The Heart of a Woodlot
What sets these woodlots apart is their dual role—providing high-value timber products like cedar poles, fir poles, and veneer logs, while also serving as spaces for recreation and resilient ecosystems. Touring with Ed Hughes offered a firsthand look at how woodlots operate as area-based tenures in British Columbia, balancing the demands of forestry, community, and nature.
As the day came to a close, I couldn’t help but feel a deeper appreciation for these pockets of managed wilderness. Each woodlot, with its unique challenges and charms, showcased the harmonious relationship between sustainability and human (and canine) enjoyment.
So, if you ever find yourself on southern Vancouver Island, take a day to explore the woodlots. You might just discover, as I did, that “A Woodlot Day” is a day well spent!
Sarah Sutton, Woodlots BC Communications Coordinator, with the chainsaw-carved bear at Huock’s woodlot.
