Near recordsized western hemlock discovered in the St. Benedict-Seven Lakes Pocket Wilderness. Tree ecently spray painted by timber cruiser in preparation for logging. Photo credit: Greg Stoltmann
FOREST SERVICE CHANGES DIRECTION
"Multiple use" replaced by "Integrated Forest Management"
After decades of blatantly pro-logging decision-making, the B.C. Forest Service is finally showing signs of seeing the light. For the first time in its 75 year history, the B.C.F.S. has publicly stated that local forest management plans "may exclude some areas, such as a highly valued wilderness, from a timber harvest ... " This statement appeared in a recently published brochure entitled, "Integrated Forest Management [IRM] of Provincial Forests."
While many environmentalists are skeptical that this is merely window dressing on the same old scorched earth policy, others see it as a new, sincere willingness to accommodate the growing public demand for improved wilderness protection.
The Forest Service was badly burned on the notoriously inadequate "Multiple-Use" policy, which gave all forest values equal consideration providing they didn't interfere with logging. In direct contrast, the new IRM brochure openly admits that logging "can reduce the quality of a recreation experience by reducing the forest's scenic value," and that as a result, "forest managers may keep some areas from being harvested to offset negative effects!"
Big stumps are easier to find than big trees. Photo credit: Ken Lay
The pamphlet even invites concerned forest users to "become involved in IRM, contact the Forest Service District or regional manager in your area. Ask to review tentative plans. State your concerns. Offer information."
However, all may not be rosy. The brochure makes no mention of whether much-needed new legislation will be introduced that provides for actual preservation of wilderness areas in Provincial Forests. Without such legislation, exclusion of areas from harvest are still only temporary deferrals at the discretion of local forest managers. And as veteran conservationists know, the old BCFS public participation process was nothing more than a trap designed to exhaust the participants and to shield politicians and civil servants from discomforting confrontations.
Cascade Creek, northeast of Mission B.C. Entire valley and ridge tops clear-cut. Note all the mudslides caused by logging. The resulting flash flooding in the lower part of the creek caused a great deal of damage to homes and property. Photo credit: Ken Lay
It will require concerted pressure from wilderness user groups, not only to ensure that the Forest Service lives up to this new promise, but also to support the Forest Service in resisting the excessive political power of the logging companies, who will, undoubtedly, oppose any moves to preserve even small areas of old growth forest. Concerned groups and individuals will have to visit their local BCFS District Offices to view logging plans and submit wilderness preservation proposals. With determination and persistence, wilderness users will secure a small forested land base in their local watersheds for themselves and future generations.
