New Campground Marks Collaboration for Recreation Opportunities on Private Managed Forest Lands
Nanaimo, BC — Mosaic Forest Management is expanding its investment in recreational access to some of the most beautiful places on Vancouver Island with the addition of a fourteenth campground located at Loon Lake near Port Alberni.
"Mosaic is committed to building on its work with communities to promote recreational access to Mosaic private forest lands," said Jeff Zweig, President & CEO of Mosaic. "The addition of this stunning campsite in the Loon Lake area gives visitors to the Alberni Valley a chance to explore wild places, learn about the culture of Indigenous nations, and connect safely with family and friends. It is part of Mosaic's broader initiative to facilitate recreational opportunities in and around our working forest through dozens of access agreements with local organizations and our network of not-for-profit campsites on Vancouver Island."
The Hupačasath First Nation and Mosaic have worked together for many years and recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU crystalizes the mutual commitment to work jointly on business, cultural and sustainability initiatives within Hupačasath Territory. In committing to the "Spirit and Intent" of the MoU, Hupačasath have agreed to provide Mosaic with a translated name for this new campground.
“As such, the campground will be called "ʕaʔuk ʔaama k̓anis" (ah-uk aah-ma ka-niss), and literally translates to 'lake loon camp and rest area' in our language,” said Elected Chief Brandy Lauder, Hupačasath First Nation. “We value Mosaic recognizing Hupačasath ha'houlthee (traditional territories) and the importance of our culture. We look forward to continue working together to explore more opportunities to benefit our people.”
“Spending time outdoors has always been a big part of who we are as West Coasters,” said Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim. “It’s incredible to see the partnership between Mosaic and the Hupačasath First Nation moving forward with the naming of the new campsite. This work is something everyone involved should be proud of, and is an excellent way to share the best of our communities with visitors to the region.”
Opening in Spring 2022, Mosaic's campground at Loon Lake will offer breathtaking views of Mount Arrowsmith and feature 27 campsites on a stocked fishing lake located just 10 minutes east of Port Alberni. Information about Mosaic campsites can be found at mosaicforests.com/camping.
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About Mosaic Forest Management Corp.
Mosaic Forest Management Corporation is in the business of sustainable forest stewardship, managing private timberlands and Crown forest tenures in Coastal British Columbia for more than a century. Mosaic employs several thousand people directly and indirectly, and is strongly committed to achieving positive economic, social and sustainability outcomes from the working forest. For more information, visit mosaicforests.com.
About Hupačasath First Nation
The Hupacasath First Nation is located on the West Coast of Vancouver Island in Port Alberni, British Columbia. Hupačasath territorial rights are held by a ranked group of ha-wił (high ranking chiefs), and a single encompassing primary Hupačasath hahouthlee (territory) that covers the entire Alberni Valley. For thousands of years their people have occupied and been stewards of these lands. For more information please visit: hupacasath.ca
Media Inquiries
Mosaic Forest Management
Karin Doherty, Director, Government Relations & Communications
Media@MosaicForests.com
Hupačasath First Nation
Jolleen Dick, Councillor
250-731-9876
Jolleen@Hupacasath.ca