The B.C. government has scuttled a federal plan to designate large swaths of core critical habitat for the endangered spotted owl, easing the way for imminent old-growth logging, The Narwhal has learned through a freedom of information request. Almost 50 per cent of core critical habitat — habitat that biologists, using the best available science, deemed necessary for the owl’s survival and recovery — was quietly removed from federal maps between 2021 and 2023, following negotiations with the province. On maps published in late January, in a proposed spotted owl recovery strategy, the areas removed from core critical habitat are labelled “potential future critical habitat.” …The BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship said “no spotted owl habitat was erased” between 2021 and 2023. However, the ministry did not differentiate between legally defined core critical habitat and newly created “potential future critical habitat.” 

Conservation North is applauding the Prince George Natural Resource District for acting on the first recommendation from the Forest Practices Board regarding old growth forests and is now urging the provincial government to follow up on the second one. In a statement issued Wednesday, the Prince George-based conservation group says mapping of old growth within the Prince George Timber Supply Area was completed in December 2022 – as recommended by the FPB following a 2020 investigation of industrial logging of old growth forests in the TSA. The next step, according to the group, is to update a “biodiversity order” to better protect old growth forests.

Salmon Arm’s Top 20 program is hosted by Serviss Wealth Management in partnership with Salmon Arm Economic Development Society. This dynamic awards program identifies outstanding entrepreneurs and business professionals across the region. This year, Cam Brown is one of this year’s winners. Cam is a professional forester with 25+ years’ experience in the forestry sector – primarily in consulting roles in western Canada. He manages Forsite’s Resource Management and Technology business unit and has grown it to include offices all across Canada.

Idel Dobell

It is said what we don’t know can’t hurt us. I beg to differ… what we don’t know about each other and our forests is not only hurting us but, as our legacy, is going to be devastating for our children and future generations. If we’re going to survive as a species, it’s time to come together to protect the forests we can protect. …For four years, through consultation, we have spelled out, made clear to council our values: We want no more logging of our community forests. Leave all trees in the forests as food, nourishment, habitat – we have already taken too much.

The B.C. government has been roundly applauded for removing a key word from the provincial regulations governing forest planning. For two decades the word “unduly” has limited the protection of so-called “non-timber” values in B.C. forests. Wildlife habitat, soil, biodiversity and even drinking water could only be protected if it did not “unduly reduce the supply of timber from British Columbia.” …While “unduly” has not been removed from all forestry regulations, this is a clear step forward. Nevertheless, crucial questions remain about the future of forests in B.C. …The province failed to adequately consult with the Indigenous nations impacted by the Private Managed Forest Lands Act. …The vast majority of public submissions to the review highlighted concern over high harvesting rates, fear over water quality and biodiversity loss and the lack of government oversight. Yet, nearly four years on, no policy changes have been proposed.

MERRITT, BC — For the fifth week in a row, employees and contractors with Aspen Planers gathered to rally community support for the city’s largest employer, who said this week it still has not received a new cutting permit from the Ministry of Forests. …The mill is already running on just one shift per day. Aspen Planers and mill union leadership say the issue behind the closure is a lack of cutting permits being issued. The Ministry told the Herald that a vast majority of local permits, which are required to harvest logs in B.C., are issued within 45 days, and that it is working to find ways to address First Nations’ concerns around sustainable forestry practices.  “We have little choice but to wait until the provincial government decides that they have completed meaningful consultation with the various Nicola Valley First Nations,” said Bruce Rose.

VANCOUVER ISLAND — The Strathcona Regional District board has set up a new Natural Resource Committee to help North Island communities make their voices heard. The idea came to the board through chair Mark Baker, who gave a report saying that communities in the North Island have “struggled to resonate with policy makers at both the provincial and federal levels regarding the continual erosion of support for resources-based operations. “Many municipalities have attempted to impress upon governments about the importance of forestry, aquaculture, mining, and other sectors continue to articulate yet their voices continue to go unheard,” he said. …However, director Robyn Mawhinney said… “Natural resources are not what they once were. With fewer resources, our focus should be on gaining more employment through value-added processes, rather than concern for corporate agendas.”