Old growth forests logged to ecological limits: Report
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PRINCE GEORGE — A new publicly released report is calling for an emergency moratorium on logging in key areas of BC, specifically with old growth forests. According to the report from independent scientists, titled BC’s Old Growth Forest: A Last Stand for Biodiversity, old growth forests have been logged to their ecological limits. That is outlined in the findings of less than one percent of BC’s total forested area is productive old growth, with most of that area having less than 30 percent original forest. That means they can no longer maintain their biodiversity, ecological integrity, or resilience.
“For the last three years, we’ve heard from fisherpeople, hunters, and guide outfitters who are really concerned about the scale and rate of logging in the last old growth forests in areas like the Anzac, the Table River and other parts of the rainforest here,” explained Michelle Connolly, Director of Conservation North. “It’s time to transition away from old growth logging to second growth harvesting that is more sustainable.”
An independent panel was appointed in July 2019 looking at a strategic review of old growth management in BC. They have received over 400 reports, including this most recent one, and that is part of their report to Doug Donaldson, the Minister of Forests. He said, “we value the biodiversity that old forests supply in the province and we also understand there are many people in the province that depend on harvesting in old growth for their livelihood.”
Donaldson said they are determined to implement interim measures but anything longer-term could take some time to consult the appropriate parties such as First Nations and environmental group.
