Leaked map reveals discrepancies in British Columbia’s Old-Growth logging deferral plan
VANCOUVER — A report from the B.C. branch of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives says a leaked map suggests the province has approved logging deferrals in less than half of the old-growth forests identified as being at risk of permanent biodiversity loss.
Ben Parfitt, a policy analyst with the centre, says a comparison of the Forests Ministry map against 26 thousand square kilometres of old-growth initially recommended for deferral in 2021, found 55 per cent of the largest trees had been removed.
At the same time, Parfitt says it shows the ministry had added deferrals in forests with smaller trees that offer little or no commercial value to the logging industry.
British Columbia launched the deferral plan in November 2021, saying the pauses on logging required the approval of First Nations, and Forests Minister Bruce Ralston says officials have always been clear some have supported the plan, while others haven’t.
