Ancient Forest with some of the largest cedar trees in B.C. will be class A park

PRINCE GEORGE – A unique rainforest comprised of some of the largest cedar trees in British Columbia is set to become a provincial park.

Premier Christy Clark has announced that 119 square-kilometres of forest in northern B.C. will become a class A provincial park under legislation to be introduced Wednesday.

The designation would protect the Ancient Forest, also known as Chun T'oh Wudujut to local First Nations, from timber harvesting and other commercial activity.

Located about 120 kilometres east of Prince George, B.C., the forest is part of the only known inland temperate rainforest in the world, and is home to a many different plant and wildlife species.

Prince George member of the legislature Shirley Bond says in a release that the 1,000-year-old trees are "historical natural wonders" with trunks measuring up to 16 metres around.

The province is also planning to work with the federal government to have the area be considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site based on the outstanding value of the ancient trees.