The Changing Face of Forestry
The rail lines to Cowichan Lake are long abandoned, and legendary log runs down the Cowichan River are a part of local history. Changes in technology and forestry practices and fluctuating world markets for wood fibre products have reduced the scope of forestry operations in the Cowichan region, but timber-related businesses are still a significant part of the economy. The industry employs close to 10,000 people on Vancouver Island.

Logging trucks continue to roll out of Cowichan Lake, once the scene of massive timbering operations in the early 20th century. But their days may be numbered: economic forecasts predict a continued decline in primary forestry employment, including related businesses such as licensed woodlots, tree farms, and custom log sorting. Many larger companies have consolidated to remain competitive, while small businesses-with 1 to 5 employees-tend to dominate related activities such as pruning and removal, salvage, timber cruising and scaling , transportation, consulting, watershed restoration and construction.

Faced with a changing market and a shifting economy, forestry businesses in the Cowichan Valley are adapting by placing increased emphasis on value-added products such as wood millwork, packaging and crating, and specialty woods.

Accent on Aquaculture
Wild salmon, cultured shellfish. Commercial emphasis is shifting from the former to the latter, as commercial fish stocks disappear and aquaculture becomes the world's dominant source of seafood.

Once the lifeblood of the Cowichan First Nations, and a major economic engine of the region, wild fish harvesting has declined dramatically in recent years. Fish stocks have disappeared and fish processing plants have closed. While sport fishing on the Cowichan continues, and related eco-tourism opportunities are expanding, the commercial fishing industry no longer generates significant revenues.

Fish Farms in Favour: Coastline aquaculture, one of the fastest growing businesses in British Columbia, is being promoted in the Cowichan area, with emphasis on salmon and other finfish, shellfish, and even exotic species such as freshwater fish, carp, koi, and ornamental fish. The provincial fisheries department is also encouraging the development of specialty processed products such as gourmet salmon products, sea cucumbers and red sea urchins.

Fresh from the Fields
Strawberries, blueberries and fresh asparagus. Herbs, honey and holly. Goats, sheep and free-range chickens-the temperate climate, lengthy growing season and fertile glacial soils of the Cowichan Valley have supported a healthy, diversified agricultural industry ever since the first European settlers arrived in the mid-1850's. The region lays claim to almost one-quarter of the productive farm land on Vancouver Island.

Variety is the hallmark of Cowichan farming. Dairy, beef and poultry farms are supplemented by market gardens, greenhouse operations, horse breeders and sheep farms. Look for colourful, fresh-from-the-fields farm stands and country markets throughout the valley. Organic produce and naturally-raised livestock are in good supply.

Valley Vintage: If you enjoy tasting local wines, take a tour of the Island's newest estate wineries. In the past decade, several successful vineyard operations have been established in the Cowichan Valley.