Alice Palmer

What industry provides 18% of BC’s economic base, $12-14 billion to its economy, and $4 billion in government revenues? Forestry, of course. Therefore, one might think British Columbians would want to safeguard it. Yet, over the past five years, BC’s forest industry—one of our province’s biggest economic drivers—has been under increasing pressure. …Some of the harvest declines have been due to natural factors. …The driving force behind the remaining harvest reductions? Forest policy. BC intends to increase its protection of old-growth forests and their associated biodiversity values and has committed to protecting or conserving 30 per cent of its land base by 2030. This represents a near-doubling of the current amount under protection (17%). But this is just the start.

…With its ecosystem-based approach to forest management, the draft BC Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health Framework philosophy appears to be that humankind should minimize its commercial use of forests. Forest-based activities should instead emphasize restoration activities. An alternative interpretation of “taking care of the land” could be “carrying out different management activities in different places.” For example, under the three-zone system recommended by the Old Growth Strategic Review (OGSR), the converted zone could include intensive silviculture. By zoning some of the land for industrial production and taking care of it for that specific purpose, British Columbians could continue to enjoy the economic benefits of logging, even while setting aside more land for conservation. Conservation of key ecosystem elements can also be achieved (and may be enhanced) while carrying out forest management activities on the land. …The OGSR’s recommended consistent zone—land managed to simulate the patterns of natural disturbance—could even count as part of the conserved and protected lands included in BC’s 30 per cent.