The B.C. government will defer logging on 2.6 million hectares of unprotected Crown forests that contain “ancient, rare and priority large stands” of old growth.
The deferrals are a “temporary measure,” the province announced Tuesday, until a “modernized” old growth management strategy can be implemented. It covers half the old growth in B.C. that is not already protected — i.e. old growth that is still subject to harvesting.
The deferrals are based on recommendations from the Old Growth Technical Advisory Panel, struck in June, and the earlier Old Growth Strategic Review.
The B.C. government says it is asking First Nations to indicate within 30 days whether or not they agree with the proposed deferrals. It’s unclear what will happen if First Nations with interests in forestry say no to the deferrals.
As part of the plan, the government will halt BC Timber Sales of timber from the 2.6 million hectares covered by the deferrals. BC Timber Sales represent about 20% of the log sales in B.C.
Forestry companies that hold tenure in the affected areas will be asked to voluntarily suspend logging in the areas in question. If they don’t, the government can revoke permits. Should the deferrals become permanent, at some point the licencees would be eligible for compensation for loss of cutting rights.
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