The BC government’s plan to defer logging in its ‘most-at-risk’ old-growth forests will be devastating to business, drive investment elsewhere; and hurt the value-added sector the most. Other perspectives include:
- 14 to 20 sawmills and two pulp mills will close (Susan Yurkovich, COFI)
- Lack of consultation with those impacted unacceptable (Bob Brash, TLA)
- Economic viability is jeopardized (Annita Huberman, Surrey Board of Trade)
- Our processes will determine our land-use decisions (Huu-ay-aht First Nations)
- Giving in to the forces of ‘No’. Not modernizing (Steward Muir, Resource Works)
- An essential first step but funding clarity required (Sonia Furstenau, Green Party)
- Encouraging, but a lack of action (Torrance Coste, Wilderness Committee)
In other news, the COP26 Deforestation Pledge: is lauded by Canada’s forest industry; called a losing battle by two US NGOs; is better than the last one in 2014 per WWF. Meanwhile: Northern Pulp secures extension of creditor protection; the Huu-ay-aht First Nation hosts old growth logging summit; and the Oregon timber accord is said to come with more restrictions.
Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor