Monthly Archives: May 2018

They’re the giants of the forest — massive, old-growth western red cedars and Douglas firs — and images of these towering trees being cut down have sparked outrage. “The visuals that we’re starting to see come out the latest cutting of old growth forest is really devastating,” says B.C. Green Party forestry critic Adam Olsen. “It’s important we’re protecting the old stands, especially on Vancouver Island where we have so little old growth left” Olsen says he’s shocked the B.C. NDP government is letting it happen. …”What we’re seeing right now is the liquidation of our forests!” says Olsen. “Frankly, this government has continued the exact same policy as the Liberal government did. …The province says it’s working on modernizing the land use plan. As it stands now, only about 55 per cent of old growth forests on crown land are protected.

Andrea Inness, a forest campaigner with Ancient Forest Alliance, and several other people went on an expedition on May 6, to the Nahmint Valley, which is about an hour outside of Port Alberni on logging roads. …“We expected to see some logging, but we were all astonished to see how much had taken place. There were near record-breaking trees that we found that were being cut,” Inness said in an interview. “We were shocked at the scale of the logging and so dismayed to see these cedars lying on the ground.” Adam Olsen, the B.C. Green Party critic for forests, said this issue could become a big problem for the government, if they don’t change their policy.

Stirling Hart

B.C.’s best axe man is finally a world champion, although, on the phone, lumberjack Stirlng Hart sounds more relieved than elated with his big win. “It feels a lot better than second place, I’ll tell you that,” said the 28-year-old Maple Ridge native. Hart out-chopped, out-sawed and out-sprinted all comers at the gruelling Stihl Timbersports Champions Trophy in Marseille, France, over the weekend, handily beating hulking New Zealander Jason Wynyard in the gold medal final. …Timbersports isn’t a sports page fixture, but Hart hopes his win will attract a little media attention in Canada. …Hart is a third generation lumberjack (his father and grandfather both competed) with a gift of the gab and an instantly identifiable 12 cm scar across his right cheek. …Last year the certified arbourist and tree faller launched Alpine Acceleration, a company that thins forests for growth and for forest fire protection.

The Government of British Columbia is making changes to give rural communities additional economic and land management opportunities, by allowing them to increase the size of their community forest. Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, made the announcement today at the BC Community Forest Association AGM in Burns Lake. “We want to make sure we’re providing a strong economic base for rural communities,” said Donaldson. “This change will help to give community forest operators more options to create local employment opportunities, and also benefit First Nations.” A community forest is a long-term agreement to manage Crown land that may be held by a local government, community group, First Nation or community-held corporation. … There are 57 community forests in the province.

Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Minister Doug Donaldson announced in February 2018 the Panel will review BC’s Forest Inventory Program.  The announcement stated that the Panel members are Clark Binkley, Bill Bourgeois, Valerie LeMay, Ian Moss and Nick Reynolds.  “We have a robust forest inventory program, but it has been 10 years since the program was last reviewed, and since that time, we’ve seen significant changes to our forests, most notably from the mountain pine beetle epidemic and wildfires”, Donaldson said at the announcement.  “Having a reliable inventory is important to garner public trust in how we manage our public forests.” …The Panel would particularly like to hear from users of the forest inventory on how well the inventory is serving their needs, and their ideas on how the inventory can be improved.

Burns Lake – Innovation in forestry typically suggests using new technologies for forest management or forest products and that enhance economic opportunities. The new BC Community Forest Association resource for small tenure holders is about innovation in relationships. The guide offers examples of lessons learned and a framework for developing relationship-based approaches which go beyond the legal requirements for small tenures. The guide was developed for managers of small tenures in BC: community forest agreements, First Nations woodlands licences and woodlot licences, who are working closely with local communities, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, and with provincial, federal, and municipal agencies. “Developing social licence for forest management activities in your community means investing time, resources, and personal effort. Yet the benefits of durable and strengthened relationships with local Indigenous and non-Indigenous people are worth the investment,” concluded Jennifer Gunter, Executive Director of the BCCFA.