The deal between four nations in the Nanwakolas Council and Western Forest Products Inc.
The Tlowitsis, K’omoks, Wei Wai Kum, and We Wai Kai First Nations have territory that extends south of Comox Valley up through Port McNeil and into the B.C.
Eagles, hawks, ravens, deer, and elk, among other plants and animals, call those forests home, he said.
Smith said another part of the agreement is that any other harvesting will have to be done after approval with all First Nations communities.
Last summer’s deadly heat dome, floods, and forest fires in the province last year highlighted the importance of trees and intact rainforests, Smith added.