A GLOBAL LEADER

How sustainable are BC’s forest practices?

BC practices sustainable forestry, with some of the most comprehensive practices in the world, according to a recent comparative study by the University of British Columbia. Roughly 95 percent of BC forests are publicly owned and governed by stringent laws and environmental regulations. And over 85 percent of the province’s forest land has been legally designated for multiple uses. 

BC forest companies must consult British Columbians before any harvesting is approved by the government. In the province, a process called land use planning involves British Columbians in decisions that determine how public lands and forests will be used today and in the future.

This has resulted in full protection for almost 1.8 million hectares (4.4 million acres) and brings the total amount of protected lands and water in British Columbia to over 15 percent, more than any other province in Canada. Additional measures include special ecosystem-based management, biodiversity and protection for wildlife habitat and species at risk. 

Further, BC has one of the largest park systems in the world—its 1,035 provincial parks, recreation areas, conservancies, ecological reserves and protected areas cover over 14 million hectares. The province has also established over 6,400 old-growth management areas for biodiversity conservation and is using the latest science to reduce the impacts of climate change on our forests.  

FORESTS FOREVER

Is there deforestation in BC?

BC has roughly the same amount of forested area as it did before European settlement, making it one of the few regions in the world with virtually no significant deforestation. Only three percent of BC’s land has been permanently converted to other uses such as farming, ranching and urban development. When compared to seven other forest jurisdictions around the world, BC has one of the highest percentages of total land covered with forests, second only to Japan. And BC’s forest cover has remained stable over the past few decades at around 55 million hectares, with one of the lowest deforestation rates among all jurisdictions.

When it comes to logging, the province maintains a quota on how many trees can be cut each year to ensure they are harvested at sustainable levels​. By law, BC forests are reforested promptly using a mix of native tree species. By planting native tree species in combination with natural regeneration, and managing for the flora and fauna indigenous to the region, BC protects the province’s vital ecosystems and biodiversity.