Old-growth logging in British Columbia, Canada, has decreased to the lowest level on record. The area logged in 2021 represents 0.3% of the estimated 11.1 million hectares of old growth in the province. Logging of old growth has declined by 42%, from an estimated 65,500 hectares in 2015 to 38,300 hectares in 2021.
“Our vision for forestry is one where we better care for our most ancient and rarest forests, First Nations are full partners in sustainable forest management, and communities and workers benefit from secure, innovative jobs for generations to come,” said Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forests. “The latest numbers show that B.C. is on the right track as we work to develop and implement new long-term solutions for better managing, preserving and sharing the benefits of our forests.”
In November 2021, the Province released the findings of the independent Old Growth Technical Advisory Panel. The panel identified 4 million hectares of old forests most at risk of biodiversity loss.
In total, approximately 80% of the priority at-risk old growth identified by the panel is not threatened by logging because it is permanently protected, covered by recent deferrals and/or not economic to harvest. This is an area equal to 7,600 Stanley Parks and is as large as Vancouver Island. By contrast, 0.23% of the forests identified by the panel were logged in the past year.
Logging deferrals are a temporary measure to prevent biodiversity loss while the Province, First Nations and other partners develop a new, long-term approach to forest management that prioritizes ecosystem health and community resiliency.
To support implementation of the Old Growth Strategic Review, the Province is working toward a new Old Growth Strategic Action Plan to be developed in partnership with First Nations and completed by the end of 2023.
