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Protection legislation on the way

Two areas on the islands are one step closer to becoming officially protected after the BC government introduced legislation last week.Duu Guusd Conservancy and Yaaguun Suu Conservancy are both part of Bill 38, which if passed, will add 11 new "Class A" provincial parks and 70 additional conservancies to BC's parks system. Both were included in the recently signed Strategic Land Use Agreement.Duu Guusd is a 140,000 hectare area on the northwest coast of Graham Island which includes habitat for bird and mammal species as well as seabird colonies, rare plants and old growth forest important to Haida cultural values. Yaaguun Suu covers 8000 hectares and protects productive old-growth coastal western hemlock, red cedar and Sitka spruce in the Yakoun watershed. The conservancy contains important cultural, heritage and spiritual values for the Haida Nation, including Tsuuaay (cedar) which provide materials for shelter, clothing, tools and transportation. Recreation opportunities on upland lakes with sandy beaches, freshwater boating, fishing and more.