Rainforest Action Network

Rainforest Action Network (RAN) praised the decision of logging company AbitibiBowater—the largest paper company in the world—to stop logging on the traditional territory of the Grassy Narrows First Nation. The logging company is the last to cease operations in the million-acre Whiskey Jack Forest that comprises Grassy Narrows traditional territory. Its decision comes in the wake of decades of lawsuits and peaceful protests by the people of Grassy Narrows, including the longest standing logging blockade in North America.
Since 2003, RAN has worked with the Grassy Narrows community to pressure U.S. companies Weyerhaeuser Corp. and Boise Inc. to drop their logging contracts with AbitibiBowater for wood obtained from Grassy Narrows land. In February, following a RAN day of action, Boise agreed to suspend its contract unless community consent could be established. AbitibiBowater’s withdrawal will also force primary customer Weyerhaeuser to stop sourcing wood from the area.