NANAIMO – Mosaic Forest Management has added a 14th campground location, at Loon Lake near Port Alberni, in cooperation with Hupacasath First Nation.
The new campground will open next spring, and will feature 27 campsites on a stocked fishing lake 10 minutes east of Port Alberni, with a panoramic view of Mount Arrowsmith.
“Mosaic is committed to building on its work with communities to promote recreational access to Mosaic private forest lands,” says Mosaic President and CEO Jeff Zweig.
“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.”
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.
Hupacasath Elected Chief Brandy Lauder notes “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.
“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.”
