Old growth forests in the Kootenays at risk. The time to act is now. Tell BC to end the logging of old growth forests.
We are in the midst of both a climate and biodiversity crisis—with rising land and ocean temperatures, and up to one million species at risk of extinction. Conserving and restoring forests, wetlands and other natural ecosystems are important steps to help fight back against these crises.
Old growth forests are important for both sequestering carbon and supporting biodiversity—they are resilient ecosystems that protect watersheds for people and nature.
Despite the critical role that old growth forests have, the province of BC continues to approve logging of these ancient forests.
The current logging of old growth forest in BC is well beyond what science recommends to maintain healthy ecosystems. We must manage our forests in a way that accounts for their importance in addressing climate change and to reverse the dramatic losses of wildlife and plant communities.
Right now, the government is holding a consultation on the future of old growth forest management in the province—your comments can make a real difference. The consultation period is open until January 31, 2020.
Please take a few minutes and let the province know that you want to end the logging of our old growth forests—submit your comments today.
Globally, change is already happening. Australia recently announced an end to old growth logging—BC must do the same. And there is support across the province—recent polling confirms that 9 in 10 British Columbians support taking action to defend old growth forests.
The time to act is now. Old growth forests in the Kootenays are at risk. Right now, we are faced with plans by Canfor—one of the province’s largest logging companies—to log old growth forests across the Kootenay region. Additionally, provincial legislation continues to allow logging on private land—specifically by Canwel and Jemi—who are liquidating the last of the old growth forest on their large land holdings.
Our old growth forests need to be defended today. Wildsight has begun discussions with the province as part of the latest consultations on the future of old growth forests in British Columbia, including providing input into proposed revisions to the Forest and Range Practices Act. We hope that these changes will be a first step on the path to make forestry truly sustainable for nature and our communities.
But we need your help. Tell the BC government to end the logging of old growth today.
By John Bergenske
Photo Credit: Kari Medig
