We must stop destroying old growth forests
Re: “Why is old growth logging continuing?” (March 4, 2021)
In response to Barry Corrin of Duncan who asked in last week’s edition why the logging of old growth forests is still happening, I’ve wondered the same thing. I wonder how we can continue to stand by while the very last of these ancient forests are clear cut to the ground. Premier Horgan made a promise to British Columbians during his last election that he would protect remaining old growth forests from logging, but to date, most of this logging still continues.
It appears to me from my research as a lay person that we are at a dire crossroads with the issue of old-growth logging here on Vancouver Island. The issue isn’t about logging second growth timber, which I understand is the staple of industry in many Island communities. I do believe that some logging is being done sustainably. This is about the removal of incredibly old and gigantic trees that have survived up to a thousand years in the valley bottoms of places like Fairy Creek, Caycuse and Nahmint Valley. These valley bottoms are where the largest trees are, and where there exists extremely biodiverse ecosystems whose survival depends exclusively on such deep forests.
It’s so discouraging to learn that less than three per cent of our ancient forests remain. In my letter to the premier, I asked him what we will have left to reminisce about when entire ecosystems that will never exist again are being treated as expendable. The forest that is home to the trees won’t exist without them. The nature that has survived there for eons will be gone with the forest.
We are coming down to the last of these places in a very short time. It’s time to sit up and take notice if you haven’t already. I implore everyone to speak up now. It is up to each of us to do something for the cause of saving the last of these vanishing old forests and their giants that will never in anyone’s lifetime be replaced.
Jacqueline Sherk
Lake Cowichan
