Home / Environment / B.C. Rallies Demand Old Growth Forest Protection
B.C. Rallies Demand Old Growth Forest Protection
19 Nov
Summary
- Non-profits rallied across B.C. seeking changes to the forestry model.
- Advocates cite wildfire and flood risks linked to old-growth logging.
- A proposed 'New Forestry Act' would cut timber cut nearly in half.
Environmental groups across British Columbia staged protests on Tuesday, urging a fundamental shift in the province's forestry practices. These demonstrations highlight concerns that the current model, especially the logging of old-growth forests, heightens risks of wildfires and floods. Organizers feel conservationist voices are being sidelined in favor of industry interests.
A key proposal gaining traction is the 'New Forestry Act,' which advocates for a substantial reduction in the annual timber cut. This framework aims to redirect economic activity towards value-added production, tourism, and forest stewardship, potentially saving billions on disaster mitigation. Some experts suggest transformative changes are needed but caution against a complete ban on old-growth management.
The Ministry of Forests acknowledged the need to modernize forest management, stating that approximately 2.4 million hectares of old growth have been deferred or protected since November 2021. However, grassroots groups emphasize that more concrete actions are required beyond deferrals to address long-standing concerns about industrial forestry's impact on communities.
