There are two parts to the report: the main report (describes problems and solutions) and the Field Report (site specific observations, photos, and analysis).
The Outdated Paradigm
The current paradigm (world view) of forestry management in the Boundary watershed is out-dated, unsustainable, and highly flawed:
- the economic value of our forests is diminishing
- ecosystem integrity and resilience are diminishing
- plant and animal species are facing local extinction
- ancient forests are being lost
- local people are being negatively impacted by forestry practices
- we are losing our protection from climate change
- jobs are in decline
In order to have a healthy, functioning watershed, the forests must be intact. Tree plantations are not forests. They do not have the same structure, composition, and function as intact forests. The number one cause of the loss of intact forests in the Boundary is industrial clearcut forestry.
In this out-dated paradigm, the corporate narrative remains the primary influencer of policy. Because corporations are left to monitor themselves and make short-term profit their primary objective in the watershed, all other benefits (ecological, economic, social) continue to weaken and deteriorate.
The New Paradigm
The primary objective of forest management should be to maintain the ecological integrity of the forest ecosystem. Biodiversity and productivity are the source of what we value.
The achievement of truly sustainable forestry encompasses four essential elements:
1. Keeping and linking all the parts (ecological and social)
2. Understanding nature’s patterns and processes
3. Using a long-term planning horizon
4. Public involvement to maintain community standards
Rather than eliminating jobs, a shift to the new paradigm of true sustainability (Nature-Based Forestry that is managed by Community Forest Boards) merely changes the outcomes of forestry jobs. It also makes them more meaningful.
Under the new paradigm, employment benefits are driven by a number of factors, including allowing more small- to medium-sized operators access to public timber (eliminating regional monopolies), an increase in the number of public and private sector jobs in planning, monitoring, and research, decentralizing forest management, enabling a competitive, open marketplace, and maintaining a supply of good quality wood that can be accessed by small-businesses to manufacture value-added wood products.
Summary of New Path Forward (Truly Sustainable Forestry)
Using the new paradigm as a foundation, we propose the way to achieve truly sustainable forestry in the Boundary watershed is two-fold:
1. To implement Nature-Based Planning (NBP)across the land base
2. Install Community Forest Boards (CFB)that implement and manage Nature-Based Planning (assisted by public sector staff who are educated and informed in Nature-Based Planning, natural sciences, biology, ecology, and eco-forestry).
The goal of Nature-Based Planning is to manage human activities in forests so we can continue to receive their benefits without degrading the productivity and values of the natural forest. Working with nature’s patterns and processes, we do not attempt to control nature. The outcome is to maintain ecological integrity by practicing ecological forestry. Knowledge of science will inform the diagnosis and prescription of how best to maintain ecological integrity. CFBs are composed of local people, give undivided loyalty to citizens, follow NPB, prioritize community economies.
A switch to nature-based forestry does not mean less forestry work. It simply changes the way forestry work is done as well as the outcomes, benefits and costs of the work.
To make this positive change possible, the Province must enable it either via new legislation or a pilot project in our region supported and funded by the provincial government.
New Forest Legislation is Required
What is needed to protect the people, the wildlife, and the ecosystems of the Boundary watershed, is a major intervention and change of direction by the government of BC.
An immediate change of forestry legislation is required so that forest decisions are based on ecosystem and conservation science, not politics or corporate profits.
A new Forest Act must be created. The new Forest Act must enshrine in law the new concept of sustainability that puts ecosystem integrity and resilience above all else. It must base forestry management on local administration, create open access to timber, provide undivided loyalty to the people of BC, and focus on local economic well-being.
Models already exist for making changes to provincial legislation. All it will take is the political will and brave leaders to make it happen.
The members of BFWSS are citizens of BC telling the government in no uncertain terms what we want for our community’s survival. Respectfully, we ask our readers to do the same. What is at stake is too important to do otherwise.
This report is part of an ongoing search for insight, foresight, and wisdom, led by well-informed and committed citizens.