How to end the Overcutting of BC's Forests

British Columbia's Chief Forester sets the volume targets which determine the AAC. Forest practices are then established to achieve timber supply goals. This current volume-based AAC should be replaced with ecosystem-based planning to determine how, where and how much to cut in order to maintain ecological sustainability. Please see our executive summary of A Cut Above for a comprehensive look at ecosystem-based forestry.

As we design a new century, and with declining original forests the world-over, forestry in British Columbia must be based on what is ecologically sustainable. This is also imperative in order to create healthy economies for the long term. Timber volume should be an output of forest management planning with ecosystem health as the foundation of determining the rate-of-cut.

Excellent forestry models already exist and have been implemented which use ecosystem-based planning. Examples include: the US forest service, Scientific Panel for Sustainable Forest Practices in Clayoquot Sound and the Silva Forest Foundation. Methods employed by these bodies point to ways to incorporate sustainable forestry throughout BC.

In Clayoquot Sound, community input was coupled with information from biologists and industry in order to develop a forestry management system that reflects local needs and values as well as modern scientific understanding.

Dozens of towns, First Nations and alliances of First Nations and other residents have applied for community forest tenures throughout BC. This demonstrates a broad interest in using new methods of doing forestry -- ones that ensure the survival of BC’s forest-dependent communities. A well-planned transition strategy is essential when changing traditional industries to build a new economy, and support will be needed from all sectors including government, business, community organizations and the environmental community. In addition to new forestry methods, value-added industries, which obtain more value from less wood, must be developed and tourism strongly encouraged.

Fisheries, another of BC's mainstay sectors, have been seriously impacted by industrial forestry and resources must be allocated for restoration and to increase tourism -- the province's growth industry.

Tourism has become the number one industry in the province, bringing over $9 billion and 113,000 jobs to BC. It is also the fastest-growing sector of the BC economy with all indications that it will continue to be the primary generator of employment for some time to come. With “Supernatural BC” as its motto, the government must preserve the province's primary attraction -- its natural heritage.

Although tourism has become BC’s largest industry, forestry will continue to play a major role in the economy. However, if present forest policies are not changed, we will witness the continued loss of our forests, which will seriously impact the economy, the environment, and the many examples of unique biology throughout BC. The David Suzuki Foundation is working to conserve BC’s forests, to protect habitat for salmon and wildlife, and to promote healthy economies and cultures for First Nations and communities throughout the province.

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