In Mark Nielsen’s August 25 article, “Action on Forest Practices Board recommendations lagging, says Conservation North,” an environmental advocacy group suggests ecosystems in the Prince George TSA are “on the brink of collapse” and are at-risk because of industrial logging.
We recognize that British Columbians are passionate about protecting biodiverse areas and at-risk, old-growth forests and we share that passion, but it’s time to stop retreating to an over-simplified yes or no, black or white, to-log-or-not-log argument. Timber harvesting is not and should not be distilled down to a simplistic one-answer proposition. At best, it’s very complex, but there are many viable options to find a balance and address forestry issues that are better than the apparent yes or no path those who are opposed to our sector have embarked on along with many environmental advocacy groups continuing to offer “no” as a definitive solution.
There are many realistic and achievable solutions that most people in our province could agree to support, and it’s time we change the conversation and start talking about them. We agree, action is required. Solutions for our forests will not happen if factions unilaterally debate outside the context of a B.C. collective vision. There are innovative practices and systems that are possible and will allow for forest managers to have a suite of potential options when managing for resource values that will, at times, include old-growth harvesting. For decades, the people, communities, and contractors working in B.C.’s forestry sector have proven to be and will continue to be very adept at innovation. The time is long overdue for a vision to be created by everyone involved in the forest industry. Contrary to some of the rhetoric out there, multiple public polls confirm B.C. residents strongly support the forest sector.
The truth is our forests continue to offer an opportunity for B.C. to provide the leading solutions we all seek for tackling climate change, the sequestration of carbon through thriving forests, and providing the most sustainably renewable natural resource. All of this from forests that meet the highest environmental standards with the highest proportion of independently certified forests in the world. Our products truly are the right choice for those who care about sustainability and the environment. If not wood, then what?
Bob Brash, Executive Director
Truck Loggers Association
