Forestry in British Columbia
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British Columbia consists of 60 million hectares of forest land which is equivalent to 2/3 of the province's geography. 49.9 million hectares are productive forest land and 48 million hectares are owned by the Government.
Ever since the late 1800s, the forestry industry has prospered with logging, sawmills and pulp and paper mills. Wood products have been a major export that produces 40% of British Columbia's export earnings. The forestry industry provides employment and increases the economic value. In 2008, over 80,000 jobs were associated with the forest industry. The forest industry is extremely important for the economy and as revenue for many communities. Although the forestry industry is important, people are wondering if it is a reliable. The industry is affected by the economy's unpredictability which means workers are laid off when the demand goes down and rehired when the demand goes up.
Ever since the late 1800s, the forestry industry has prospered with logging, sawmills and pulp and paper mills. Wood products have been a major export that produces 40% of British Columbia's export earnings. The forestry industry provides employment and increases the economic value. In 2008, over 80,000 jobs were associated with the forest industry. The forest industry is extremely important for the economy and as revenue for many communities. Although the forestry industry is important, people are wondering if it is a reliable. The industry is affected by the economy's unpredictability which means workers are laid off when the demand goes down and rehired when the demand goes up.
Forestry Practices
Throughout the years the forestry industry has expanded and millions of dollars have been invested; for example in 1900 $2 million was invested and in 2000 $65 million was invested. During these years cutting and logging practices weren't supervised by the provisional Government. As a result, many forests were subject to clear-cutting and stumps were cut too high.
People were infuriated with the lack of Government supervision because trees are too valuable to waste. They protect species, capture carbon, provide jobs in recreation, prevent climate change and they are essential for life and economic well-being. The massive amount of public outrage forced the Government to issue a Royal Commission on Timber and Forestry. This influenced the 1912 Forest Act. Next came the 1947 Forest Act that stated the allowable annual cut for companies. In 1995, the Forest Practices Code was released expressing regulations for planting and re-harvesting. In 2004, the Forest and Range Practices Act was introduced to maintain environmental standards; reforestation, conservation of soils, protection of habitats and watersheds and it enforced rules for construction, maintenance and deactivation of forestry roads.
In 1992 to Government set a goal to protect 12% of British Columbia's forest land. By 2007, with the help of the Forest Acts, 13.8% of forest land was protected.
People were infuriated with the lack of Government supervision because trees are too valuable to waste. They protect species, capture carbon, provide jobs in recreation, prevent climate change and they are essential for life and economic well-being. The massive amount of public outrage forced the Government to issue a Royal Commission on Timber and Forestry. This influenced the 1912 Forest Act. Next came the 1947 Forest Act that stated the allowable annual cut for companies. In 1995, the Forest Practices Code was released expressing regulations for planting and re-harvesting. In 2004, the Forest and Range Practices Act was introduced to maintain environmental standards; reforestation, conservation of soils, protection of habitats and watersheds and it enforced rules for construction, maintenance and deactivation of forestry roads.
In 1992 to Government set a goal to protect 12% of British Columbia's forest land. By 2007, with the help of the Forest Acts, 13.8% of forest land was protected.
Old-Growth Trees
Old-growth trees can vary from 120-250 years old. Old-growth trees are one of a kind, but many people share different opinions about them. Environmentalists emphasize the importance of protecting them because they protect watershed ecosystems and prevent erosion. Forest Companies feel that cutting down old-growth trees will add value to the province's economy but there's always the possibility of negative effects. Recreation Industries believe that old-growth trees will increase ecotourism in wilderness areas. Old-growth trees also have central roles in Aboriginal culture. Aboriginals use old-growth trees to build canoes and totem poles and use them as sites for ceremonies.
The Mountain Pine Beetle
There have been many attempts to protect the forests, i.e. the Forest Acts, but nothing could have prepared British Columbia for the mountain pine beetle epidemic in 2000. The beetles traveled west-east with the wind and was attracted to British Columbia because of the warmer winters and limited forest fires. These factors meant the beetles could keep living leaving no chance for the pine trees to re-grow. It was estimated that the pine beetles would destroy 80% of British Columbia's mature pine forests by 2013.
The mountain pine beetle has had drastic consequences on British Columbia. The pine beetles stain the trees red, the dead trees release stored carbon back into the atmosphere, there is an increased chance of floods in rivers, hunting becomes difficult and there is a greater chance of fires because of dead, dry trees. The only way to stop the infestation from spreading is to clear cut, but clear-cutting threatens any remaining wildlife.
It's hard to believe that a beetle the size of a grain of rice can have such a huge affect on the environment, economy and every-day life.
The mountain pine beetle has had drastic consequences on British Columbia. The pine beetles stain the trees red, the dead trees release stored carbon back into the atmosphere, there is an increased chance of floods in rivers, hunting becomes difficult and there is a greater chance of fires because of dead, dry trees. The only way to stop the infestation from spreading is to clear cut, but clear-cutting threatens any remaining wildlife.
It's hard to believe that a beetle the size of a grain of rice can have such a huge affect on the environment, economy and every-day life.
Cranny, M. et al. (2009). Horizons: Canada's Emerging Identity. (2nd ed.) U.S.A: Pearson.