It’s been over a year since the government of British Columbia was advised to immediately stop logging old-growth forests, and yet, nothing has changed. Some of the most productive and rarest forest ecosystems are found in B.C. and they are disappearing rapidly! If the government doesn’t step up their act soon, these forests could be gone forever.
What is an old-growth forest?
British Columbia defines coastal forests to be considered old-growth if they contain trees that are more than 250 years old! Forests in B.C.’s interior are considered old-growth if the trees are at least 140 years old. Researchers have actually found trees with lifespans dating back to nearly the Roman Empire!
Characteristics of old-growth trees:
Old-growth trees can vary in size and age. Most of the ancient trees in B.C. are massive in circumference and are over 60 meters tall. Characteristics of old-growth trees vary according to their location and the species.
Why are old-growth trees being logged in British Columbia?
Old-growth trees are being logged in many areas of British Columbia including places such as Fairy Creek and many at-risk forests on Vancouver Island.
The province of B.C. believes that old-growth trees are “vital” to supporting their forestry industry because of the value and quality of old-growth wood. Old-growth trees have stronger wood with tighter and more dense grains than second or third growth trees. Wood from old-growth trees is desired in many industries as it’s made for making high-end, specialty products like fine furniture, musical instruments, and housing finishes. This is why the wood from an old-growth tree is much higher in value than other woods.
Why is it important to protect old-growth forests?
Forest play a very significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and many Canadian conservationists argue that old-growth forests can help protect provinces from future climate change disasters. Old-growth forests that are healthy help clean the air, can shield us from fire and flooding, and store great amounts of carbon. Once these trees are logged, it can take hundreds of years to recover all that stored carbon.
Not only do old-growth forests assist in our fight against climate change, but they are also home to a large number of plant and animal species, including some which cannot live in any other type of habitat. Because of old-growth logging, many species have seen a decline in population including the Northern spotted owl.
What can we do to protect old-growth trees in B.C.?
If joining the Fairy Creek Blockade, isn’t something you’re up for – that’s ok! Here are 4 other ways you can take action:
- Support organizations such as the Ancient Forest Alliance.
- Sign this petition by stand.earth that is being sent to the British Columbia government.
- Send an email to your elected representative in British Columbia, or send an email to the pre-identified targets if you don’t live in B.C.
- Visit old-growth forests that are being marketed as tourism destinations โ this is a great way the trees are contributing to B.C.’s economy without being cut down!
If you still don’t fully understand what’s happening with old-growth logging in British Columbia and want to read more about it, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered:
Inside the Pacheedaht Nationโs stand on Fairy Creek logging blockades
Q&A with Garry Merkel from B.C.โs old-growth review panel
Check out this series of maps tracing the location of the highest value, most at-risk old-growth forests in the province released by forest ecologist Rachel Holt along with forester Dave Daust and researcher Karen Price.
