The province says in a news release the agreement with
The watershed is encircled by
BC Parks and the
“Today’s agreement is another step in the right direction to protect the rich natural heritage of the Silverdaisy watershed and surrounding areas for generations to come," Horgan says in the statement.
The potential for industrial activity in the region has historically been strongly opposed by both Indigenous communities and local and international environmental groups.
In 2019, the province responded to calls to stop forestry operations in the Silverdaisy area by halting all timber sale licences in the same area.
Imperial has held the Giant Copper property claims since 1988, predating the designation of the parks that surround it. The claim area has two mineral deposits containing copper, silver and gold and a recently discovered gold showing, the company says.
Imperial surrendered some of its claims along the
”Our objective as a mining company would have been to proceed with exploration of our claims," Imperial president
"But as a company that is responsive to the aspirations of Indigenous communities, government, and neighbours we support this agreement."
The Wilderness Committee, part of a coalition advocating for the watershed's protection, celebrated the agreement in a statement.
The watershed is an important habitat for both the Northern Cascade population of grizzly bears and the endangered northern spotted owl, it says.
"Skagit headwaters of
This report by
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