Myths abound about how forestry is done in British Columbia. More than ever, sound judgment and respect for the facts are needed. We've put together some resources to help with that.
Finding balance, asking questions
In a field strewn with myths, forestry in BC today is far ahead of urban sectors when it comes to pursuing applied climate practice, Indigenous economic reconciliation, and rural economic health. It's fair to say that much of the information reaching the public today is simply wrong.
The quiet reality is that governments, industry, First Nations, and communities are working collaboratively to ensure that the public's high expectations are more than satisfied.
Over the past year, Resource Works has been examining the future of forestry - including the old growth issue – in an attempt to get at the truth of what's really going on. Here's a sampling of our published findings:
Pacheedaht First Nation: An example of reconciliation and development
This Vancouver Island First Nation’s success story shows how reconciliation and development go hand-in-hand, writes Josiah Haynes.
“Seeing Red: BC's last primary forests” map weaves an artful fiction about forestry
Resource Works takes a look at how GIS data is being employed to create a highly misleading picture of forest practices. What we discover is confusing, to say the least.
West Coast First Nations strike agreement to protect sacred cultural cedars
Nanwakolas Council and forestry companies make groundbreaking agreement to ensure monumental trees are protected within traditional territories.
Old growth, new beginning
The province of British Columbia’s Old Growth Strategic Review tackles head-on an issue that has bedevilled the government for decades: ensuring that the seemingly polarizing values of forest protection and public prosperity can somehow be harmonized. Stewart Muir looks at the issue.
Amid COVID-19 economic strains, forest recommendations weigh heavily
NEWS ANALYSIS: Residents of dozens of British Columbia forest communities are on edge. Will the province's most renewable industry be allowed to continue after the release of a new provincial study? Stewart Muir looks at the facts.