It’s been five years since the B.C. government promised to overhaul how old-growth trees are logged in the province — a process that was supposed to take three years — and conservationists say the province’s heel-dragging is resulting in preventable biodiversity loss. …”This isn’t just about trees. It’s about climate, community safety, Indigenous rights and the future of forests in B.C.,” said Tobyn Neame, a campaigner with the Wilderness Committee, in one of several releases from similar groups marking the anniversary of the report. …Conservationists argue the province has not moved deliberately to accomplish the 14 recommendations in the report, the culmination of B.C.’s Old Growth Strategic Review process. …In early September, the Provincial Forest Advisory Council, an independent group of forestry experts, announced a new public-facing website seeking input over the issue.

VANCOUVER — The BC Supreme Court has granted an injunction to a forestry company to halt a blockade against old-growth logging in the Walbran Valley on Vancouver Island, in a ruling that has been hailed by a group of First Nations that want the “unlawful occupation” ended. The protesters are mostly anonymous although BC Supreme Court Justice Amy Francis said that they include some of the same group involved in the blockade at nearby Fairy Creek. Francis said protests “are part of a healthy democracy. Criminal conduct is not.” …Michelle Corfield, a spokeswoman for a group of First Nations, said the territory belongs to the Pacheedaht First Nation. “I just really want everybody to understand how deeply hurt the Pacheedaht people are about this unlawful occupation,” she said. …Francis said the law around granting injunctions is well established, and “it appears clear that the defendants’ actions are criminal in nature.”