Conservation group warns an area 4 times the size of Vancouver may be logged, despite planned deferrals
A wilderness preservation group says areas of old-growth forest totalling four times the size of Vancouver have either been approved for logging or have permits pending, despite the B.C. government's stated plans to defer logging on those sites.
The map analysis by the Wilderness Committee comes as First Nations slam the government's process for approving the deferrals, which has given nations 30 days to sign off on plans in their traditional territories, a time-frame some say is insufficient.
The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs is also criticizing the government for what it calls a lack of support for First Nations as they review deferral proposals on their lands.
“The BC NDP government has evaded responsibility and hastily thrown the conflict over old growth into the laps of Indigenous people, forcing First Nations into an impossible situation," said UBCIC Grand Chief Stewart Phillip in a news release Thursday.
"While chainsaws are still roaring and old-growth forests continue to fall, First Nations must confront multiple, complex challenges around resourcing conservation and safeguarding their livelihoods," Phillip added.
The UBCIC and the Wilderness Committee say the government's plans both fail to stop old-growth logging - as evidenced by the ongoing cutting of some of the trees slated for deferral - and fail to compensate those Indigenous communities that could suffer economically from an end to logging on their territories.
The solution, according to the two organizations, is to make the deferrals immediate and provide more support to First Nations.
“Premier John Horgan needs to quit stalling and show some courage on this pressing issue," Phillip said. "That means immediately deferring logging in at-risk old-growth while resourcing communities to pursue permanent protection.”
INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE
Stewart Muir, executive director of the resource industry advocacy group Resource Works, had a different perspective on the deferrals.
"The British Columbia government knew that the forestry deferral decision would cost jobs and harm communities," he told CTV News in an email.
"It was also obvious that nothing they did would appease those who don't want any logging at all. What was foretold is coming to pass."
Muir agreed with the UBCIC's position that First Nations haven't been given enough time or support to complete their part of the deferral process, but he rejected the calls to make deferrals immediate.
Instead, he said he'd like to see the government review the objections to the plan that it has heard and attempt to address them.
"Start with the premise that a working forest is attainable and desirable: a land base that sustains economic, social and environmental objectives," he said.
"A sustainable forest industry that contributes to British Columbia’s net zero commitments is to be encouraged. Instead, business owners are effectively being pushed to relocate their businesses to other jurisdictions. It’s hard to see what good will come of this."
'A VULNERABLE TARGET'
On Nov. 2, the province announced plans to defer harvesting of 2.6 million hectares of old growth forests. First Nations said that was the first time they saw the maps provided of proposed deferral areas. Until the deferrals take effect, clear-cutting can continue.
“The B.C. government threw the 2.6 million hectare number out there and patted itself on the back for it as if it was an accomplishment rather than a vulnerable target,” said Torrance Coste, national campaign director for the Wilderness Committee, in the release.
The committee says its analysis shows more than 50,000 hectares the government has targeted for deferral are at risk, with permits for their logging either approved or pending.
That total includes nearly 2,000 hectares approved or applied for since the province announced its deferral plan, according to the Wilderness Committee.
The organization's map is covered in red splotches, representing approved cutblocks located in intended deferral areas. It also shows cutblocks that are pending approval, as well as the other areas on which the province hopes to defer logging.
About 555,000 hectares within the operating areas of BC Timber Sales have already had logging deferred. That equates to about 20 per cent of the total the province intends to defer, according to the Wilderness Committee
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Bhinder Sajan
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Golf season a summer tourism driver in Canada
Golf is a sign of spring and summer and a major driver for seasonal tourism, experts say.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
The kids from 'Mrs. Doubtfire are all SUPER grown up now, and we're not OK
The adorable trio of child actors from the 1993 classic comedy 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' which starred the late and great Robin Williams, are all grown up and looking back on their seminal time together.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.