From Torrance Coste, National Campaign Director, Wilderness Committee:
The BC government is undertaking a review of the way it manages irreplaceable ecosystems of old-growth forests. Members of the public are invited to present to this newly-formed two-person review panel.
Garry Merkel, a professional forester and natural resource expert, and member of the Tahltan Nation, and Al Gorley, a professional forester and former chair of the Forest Practices Board have been appointed as an independent panel to engage with First Nations, industry, stakeholders and communities to hear perspectives on the ecological, economic, social and cultural importance of old-growth forests. Reporting back to government in spring 2020, their recommendations are expected to inform a new approach to old-growth management for British Columbia.
You’re invited to participate in this strategic review by applying to meet with the independent panel to share your thoughts. Al and Garry are interested to hear:
- What old growth means to you and how you value it
- Your perspective on how old growth is managed now
- How you think old growth could be managed more effectively in the future
Presenting to a government panel can be daunting but we’re here to help you — please email me if you have any questions or if you’d like information and resources to help you prepare. Our most recent publication, Old-Growth Crisis, (and all the sources it links to on the last page) is a great place to start.
Now it’s time to tell the BC government to do the right thing and protect old-growth.
For the wild,
Torrance Coste | National Campaign Director
Wilderness Committee
