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By Caden Fanshaw

FORESTRY

‘This will allow us to have a more managed transition’: UNBC researcher on BC old growth deferrals

Nov 10, 2021 | 10:19 AM

PRINCE GEORGE – Fallout continues from industry, with fears of major job losses ahead in BC due to the deferral of 2.6 million hectares of old-growth forest.

Dr. Darwyn Coxson, Professor in the UNBC Ecosystem Science and Management Program says if done correctly the deferrals could not be as devastating as some suggest.

“This is going to allow us, if we do it right, to have a more managed transition where we can retool the mills, where we can ensure that employment stays in local communities,” says Coxson. “If we just do nothing, we just drive over the edge of the cliff, and when that last old-growth tree goes down, all we have is second-growth forest whether we like it or not.”

The BC Council of Forestry Industries (COFI) fears 18,000 jobs could be lost, while the Ministry of Forests expects under 5000 jobs to be cut out of the picture.

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Coxson has been studying old-growth in the inland temperate rainforests across much of the eastern half of BC for many years, and a number of studies have shown without urgent action many species would become extinct.

Last week the BC government announced it would be deferring the harvesting of 2.6 million hectares of old-growth for two years.

Coxson believes with the harvest on pause, this will give the necessary time for First Nations and the province to discuss options to protect old-growth stands.