Old-Growth Logging Declines To Record Lows

As the Province continues implementation of the Old Growth Strategic Review, the latest numbers released show old-growth logging in B.C. has decreased to the lowest level on record.

Logging of old growth has declined by 42%, from an estimated 65,500 hectares in 2015 to 38,300 hectares in 2021.

The area logged in 2021 represents 0.3% of the estimated 11.1 million hectares of old growth in the province.

Last November, the Province released the findings of the independent Old Growth Technical Advisory Panel, which identified four million hectares of old forests most at risk of biodiversity loss.

In total, approximately 80% of the priority at-risk old growth identified by the panel is not threatened by logging because it is permanently protected, covered by recent deferrals, and/or not economic to harvest. For some perspective, this is an area as large as Vancouver Island.

Logging deferrals are a temporary measure to prevent biodiversity loss while the Province, First Nations and other partners develop a new, long-term approach to forest management that prioritizes ecosystem health and community resiliency.

The Province is working toward a new Old Growth Strategic Action Plan to be developed in partnership with First Nations and completed by the end of 2023.