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“Don’t log forest reserves” say experts Monica Lamb-Yorski Staff Writer
Deanna Bell at the 65th Annual Kispiox Rodeo. At the same rodeo Kirsten Bell was winner at the Open Pole Bending event. Percy N. Hébert/Houston Today
The co-ordinator of Healthy ForestsHealthy Communities: A conversation on BC forests (HFHC) is calling on the B.C. government to remove the option of logging “forest reserves” in its upcoming public consultations on the midterm timber supply. Bill Bourgeois, HFHC co-ordinator, says logging of the forest reserves is an “unwise and short-sighted option.” He’s written his request to Forests, Lands and Natural Resources Operations Minister Steve Thomson, but doesn’t expect to hear back anytime soon. “I haven’t received any response from an earlier letter either. I think he’s got a lot of letters coming in about various aspects, so I don’t anticipate hearing anything back for some time,” he says. While Bourgeois is relieved to hear that government has agreed to hold public consultations on the mid-timber supply, Bourgeois is asking the government to remove forest reserves from the discussion because it will detract people
from generating innovative ideas. “It’s an emotional aspect for a lot of people and they tend to focus on that kind of issue instead of saying OK, there’s this bigger issue called mid-term timber supply, and what are the things we can do to address that particular one?” Bourgeois says. Aside from emotions, he suggests it’s not a justified or economically sound decision to open up harvesting previously conserved areas. “There’s a lot of public views against it so take it off the table. Then, in the public consultation, people will focus on other ideas. But whether the minister is listening or not, I’m not sure,” he says. Responding to Bourgeois’s concerns, Thomson told the Tribune no final decisions have been made about the possibility of harvesting timber from areas that have been set aside for biodiversity, wildlife habitat and scenic values. “ C o m mu n i t i e s, First Nations and forest sector stake-holders will have an opportunity to provide input,” he says.
When asked if the option of logging previously conserved areas could be removed from the discussion, Thomson suggests that all options will be considered during the upcoming public engagement process. “To remove any of the key issues from the discussion table would not be in the spirit of fair and open consultation,” Thomson says. The Association of BC Forest Professionals (ABCFP) (http://www. abcfp.ca) outlines reasons conserved areas have been set aside in the past. These include water quality, wildlife refuge and migration, recreation and tourism operations and the protection of old growth. “We’ve been saying that we absolutely have to continue to practice sustainable forestry in B.C.,” ABCFP chief executive officer Sharon Glover says, adding many companies across the province are committed to sustainable forest management. Their shareholders and the international community understand that commitment. The ABCFP beSee FORESTS on Page 3