Documentary Reflection – Reflecting on the Fairy Creek old-growth logging protests
July 25, 2026 By: Matthew Coxon
Mainstream media: CBC News – “B.C. extends deferral of logging in Fairy Creek amid reports of tree spiking”
Alternative media: Ricochet Media – “With more old-growth logging set to begin near Fairy Creek, a new blockade has emerged to save the irreplaceable forests”
When reflecting upon the role of civil disobedience the Fairy Creek protests seem quite relevant given the fact that this directly relates to the documentary If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front. The Fairy Creek protests on Vancouver Island provide a more modern example of the same debates surrounding environmental activism and the effectiveness of civil disobedience explored in this documentary. A CBC News article included above discusses the demonstrations in a neutral light, highlighting the conflict between protestors attempting to prevent old-growth logging and the authorities enforcing legal injunctions. In contrast, the Ricochet Media article heavily focuses on the motivation of activists and delves into why these old-growth forests are essentially irreplaceable, prioritizing ecological value over economic value. When considering each of these perspectives, it demonstrates how environmental conflict is often shaped by competing ideas of what nature represents; whether that be opportunities for economic development, ecosystems requiring extensive protection, or culturally important lands with deep ties to Indigenous communities.
As mentioned previously, the Fairy Creek protests directly relate to the documentary If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front, which explores the history of environmental civil disobedience. The documentary discusses interesting ideas about forms of civil disobedience, such as sabotage or blockades, and whether they are justified when activists believe their government has failed to adequately protect the environment. In my opinion, civil disobedience can be an effective response to environmental threats, but its success depends largely on whether it generates public support and encourages meaningful change rather than simply disrupting those responsible for carrying out approved projects. Although the Fairy Creek movement has not ended all old-growth logging, it has led to greater public knowledge of the issue and increased pressure on the government to reconsider its policies on old-growth logging.
This topic is also quite connected with earlier course discussions about conservation and preservation. I had previously brought up debates between Gifford Pinchot and John Muir, and even here, the question as to whether nature should primarily be managed for human benefit or protected because of its ecological and cultural value becomes once again, relevant. Additionally, this example demonstrates that these debates are rarely simple, largely because communities, especially those in BC, are often dependent economically on these natural resources. The Fairy Creek movement represents another example of how when considering ecological protection, there are competing needs from multiple parties, whether it be the workers within that community, the community itself, and other groups, such as Indigenous nations.
Lastly, the issue of civil disobedience in the context of the environment has a personal connection for me. My aunt was involved with the protests surrounding the Chapman’s Peak toll road in South Africa, a campaign that was ultimately unsuccessful but did lead to further ecological analysis and more taxpayer-friendly plan for the tolls. Overall, I believe civil disobedience can create positive environmental change when it manages to generate public awareness and encourages governments to reconsider the decisions they make. Protests alone will not solve all environmental problems, but they can force governments and communities to reconsider how they choose to interact with the environment around them.
B.C. extends deferral of logging in Fairy Creek amid reports of tree spiking | CBC news. Accessed July 25, 2026. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/fairy-creek-defer-old-growth-logging-extension-2025-1.7445346.
Curry, Marshall, and Sam Cullman, directors. If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front. New York, NY: Oscilloscope Laboratories, 2011. DVD.
With more old-growth logging set to begin near Fairy Creek, a new blockade has emerged to save the irreplaceable forests – ricochet. Accessed July 25, 2026. https://ricochet.media/climate/environment/with-more-old-growth-logging-set-to-begin-near-fairy-creek-a-new-blockade-has-emerged-to-save-the-irreplaceable-forests/.