Tag Archives: Ministry of Forests

Forests

Without deferrals, these five timber companies could decide the fate of B.C.’s old-growth forests

Editor’s Note: Island Timberlands, which owns just under 9% of Cortes Island, primarily operates in southern Vancouver Island. It has smaller logging areas in northern Vancouver Island, Read Island, the Sunshine Coast and Haida Gwaii. Mosaic Forest Management oversees its logging operations, as well those of another Vancouver Island company: TimberWest. They are included among the ‘other companies’ in the chart below.

By Natasha Bulowski, Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Five big timber companies hold the future of nearly half of British Columbia’s at-risk old-growth forests in their hands, according to a new report.

Continue reading Without deferrals, these five timber companies could decide the fate of B.C.’s old-growth forests →
Forests

Interview with Bruce Ellingsen p1: What is a sustainable rate of consumption for forestry?

In respect to British Columbia’s old growth trees, “Most of what is left is in the difficult-to-access areas and the not so productive sites. Most of the best and easy to get is gone” – Bruce Ellingsen, one of the founders of the Cortes Community Forest Co-operative. 

In the first of two articles about current forestry practices, Ellingsen looks to dynamics in nature for indicators toward a more sustainable harvesting rate.

Continue reading Interview with Bruce Ellingsen p1: What is a sustainable rate of consumption for forestry? →
Forests, Spirituality

Northwest B.C. church group calls on province to rethink forestry policies

Terrace Standard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Terrace church group is calling on the provincial government to rethink its forestry practices and “radical policies” and invest in sustainable options. 

The Social Justice Working Group, made up of members of Knox United Church in Terrace is concerned about the province issuing permits to clear-cut primary forests to produce wood pellets for export. 

Continue reading Northwest B.C. church group calls on province to rethink forestry policies →
Forests

Retraction regarding cutting some old growth on Quadra Island

Last week I published a story about some old growth trees cut down on Quadra Island, then almost immediately became aware there was much more to the story and took it down. 

There is no question about old growth trees being cut down on woodlot licence W2031.

Nor is there any question about the legality of the woodlot licensees action. They have not broken any laws. 

Continue reading Retraction regarding cutting some old growth on Quadra Island →
Forests, Indigenous Nations

Do clearcuts contribute to BC’s flooding?

By Melissa Renwick, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Thousands of British Columbians remain displaced following a series of devastating floods and landslides that have swallowed highway roads and entire cities in the southern part of the province.

The floods prompted British Columbia to declare its third state of emergency this year on Nov. 17. The devastation was triggered by an atmospheric river that carried rainfall two times the average amount within a 72-hour period.

Continue reading Do clearcuts contribute to BC’s flooding? →