Ben Parfitt : “B.C. Approves Less Than Half of Old-Growth Deferrals in Leaked Map”

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Leaked Map Reveals Controversy Surrounding Old-Growth Forest Deferrals in British Columbia

A recent report from the B.C. branch of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives has shed light on a contentious issue regarding the approval of logging deferrals in old-growth forests. The leaked map suggests that less than half of the identified at-risk old-growth forests in the province have been approved for a pause in logging, raising concerns about potential biodiversity loss.

According to Ben Parfitt, a resource policy analyst with the centre, a comparison of the maps against 2.6 million hectares of old-growth proposed for deferral in 2021 revealed that 55 per cent of the areas with large and very large trees had been removed from the ministry’s map. This has sparked debate over the selection process for deferrals and the protection of crucial ecosystems.

Ministry Adds Deferrals in Forests with Smaller Trees

Parfitt also pointed out that while some areas with valuable old-growth trees were excluded from the deferral plan, the ministry has added deferrals in forests with smaller trees that hold little to no commercial value for the logging industry. This decision has raised questions about the criteria used to determine which areas should be protected.

Government Response and First Nations Involvement

In response to the report, Forests Minister Bruce Ralston stated that the government has deferred or newly protected 2.42 million hectares of old-growth forests since November 2021. This includes 1.23 million hectares of “priority at-risk” old-growth as identified by a panel of ecologists and forestry experts. Ralston emphasized the importance of First Nations’ input in the deferral process, noting that while some Indigenous communities have supported the plan, others have expressed reservations.

The deferral plan, which was launched in November 2021, requires the approval of First Nations before logging pauses can be implemented. Ralston acknowledged that there are differing opinions among Indigenous groups, with some advocating for alternative deferral areas based on their expertise, while others prefer to continue forestry activities in their territory.

Overall, the leaked map and subsequent revelations have sparked a heated debate over the protection of old-growth forests in British Columbia and the role of Indigenous communities in conservation efforts. The controversy surrounding the deferral plan underscores the complex balance between economic interests and environmental preservation in the province.

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