Wisdom Of The Ancient Forest
We would like to share with you an exciting program that The Boat Company has been involved with over the past year. “Wisdom of the Ancient Forests: Alaska's Tongass Rainforest”, is a documentary film that we believe will inspire and educate viewers to appreciate the value of the Tongass National Forest, the last old growth temperate rainforest on Earth.
Breathing Earth Productions, in conjunction with The Quest Foundation, approached us about participation in the development and production of this documentary film a little over a year ago. To date, The Boat Company has contributed two full (whole boat) trips for the filming of this much-needed documentary, along with a sizeable cash donation. The documentary has now moved into postproduction with an expected release date some time in early 2010.
The award winning producers of “Wisdom of the Ancient Forests: Alaska's Tongass Rainforest” promise to deliver an imperative conservation message for this and future generations. The ancient forests of this part of North America are a complex ecosystem that supports a myriad of plants and other animal life, including critical stream habitats for spawning wild salmon species. This great old growth rainforest has also provided humanity with shelter, sustenance, medicine, healing inspiration and a way of life for millennia. Yet in less than 50 years, logging interests have cut down 90% of these once enormous trees. While the winds of change are beginning to feel there way through the halls of Congress with this new administration, legislation in Washington, DC continues to further jeopardize the future of the Tongass.
“Wisdom of the Ancient Forests: Alaska's Tongass Rainforest”, is meant to address the urgency to protect this great treasure of the United States, by showcasing the remaining, intact wilderness and it’s wildlife, contrasted by industrial logging. The M/V LISERON was used as the floating platform from which spokespeople, including world renowned conservationist Jim Fowler (narrator and spokesperson for the project), have been filmed as she made her way through the heart of the region. Many of the major stakeholders in the Tongass have been interviewed, and their stories will be woven into the fabric of the documentary. The documentary is being produced by the Quest Foundation as part of the Wisdom of the Ancient Forests films.
The Boat Company has committed over $300,000 (plus other resources & personnel) in support of this project. The Quest Foundation has asked for our help in seeking additional funding in order to complete the documentary in 2009. Therefore, we would ask that you take a few moments to look at the trailer that can be found on our website at www.theboatcompany.com, and should you be interested, support this effort with a donation yourself. This use of media not only tells the story and images of the Tongass, but will also create awareness and hopefully incentive for protection for future generations.
Donations can be made at the following website: http://quest-foundation.org/tongassdonations.htm
