Two independent scientists in British Columbia, Dr. Suzanne Simard and Dr. Rachel F. Holt have prepared a quick and simple petition to lend support for our forests.
Dr. Suzanne Simard is the author of the acclaimed book Finding the Mother Tree: Uncovering the Wisdom and Intelligence of the Forest and is a Professor in UBC’s Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences.
British Columbia’s forests are among the most diverse and carbon-rich on Earth. Yet every year, British Columbia continues to log vast areas of remaining primary and old-growth forests – ecosystems that are globally rare and irreplaceable.
The results of this mismanagement are everywhere: collapsed wildlife populations, degraded watersheds, shuttered mills, and hollowed-out forestry towns. Jobs and small forestry businesses have declined alongside the forests, while profits flow to shareholders and investments leave the province.
Over five years ago, BC’s provincial government made significant commitments to transition from timber extraction to ecosystem health and a value-based forest economy. Yet little has been implemented in terms of policy changes, stewardship and industry transition.
These commitments have already been made — but not kept.
The Province of British Columbia must now breathe life back into its forests and waters and get on the right side of history — fulfilling its moral and legal obligations to biodiversity, climate stability, and future generations.