The dire situation in BC’s forests was already threatening to spiral out of control last summer. Enormous forest losses due to industrial forestry have led to increases in fires, floods, and drought across the province.
Since then the risks have escalated dramatically.
I’m hoping you can help because the data paints a terrible picture.
Snow levels across the province are 66% of normal – tied for the second lowest on record 1. This could have devastating effects on our rivers and everyone who depends on water – fire fighters, farmers, ranchers.
With higher than ever drought and fire risk this summer, we’re entering into an unprecedented danger zone.
It was heartbreaking to hear that 270 structures were destroyed by fire in the Shuswap in 2023. Over 3,500 homes were under evacuation orders. In the Okanagan, 70 homes were damaged by the wildfires and many properties were completely destroyed
The predictions for 2024: houses, hospitals, schools, wildlife…all at higher risk of fire due to severely dry conditions.
I’m sure you already know this: forests bring rain. And primary forests do it best.
The government likes to shrug its shoulders and blame climate change for the dry conditions. But science shows that massive forest losses make a huge contribution to the problem.
You probably already know this too: Provincial legislation authorizes that decisions about logging on public lands are made by timber companies and based on profit considerations. Biodiversity, wildlife, and community safety are not taken into account.
There is no citizen voice. As long as industry has the legislation backing up them up, there is nothing that we can do to stop clearcuts.
What is needed to protect the people, the wildlife, and the ecosystems of BC is an immediate change of forestry legislation. Forests must be protected by law.
A new Forest Act must be created.
- The new Act must enshrine in law that forest decisions are based on ecosystem and conservation science, not politics or corporate profits.
- It must base forest management on public involvement and ensure undivided loyalty to the people of BC.
We are working urgently to make this happen. We’ve launched the first-ever BC-wide citizens campaign to change provincial forestry legislation.
We are joining with others to send a unified message to the BC government: Create a new Forest Act to protect our forests and our communities.
Legal forest protection is now more urgent than ever. And this campaign is the only one working to unite BC residents to drive for new forestry legislation together.
Do you consider yourself part of ‘the choir’? Our goal with this campaign is to get the choir all singing the same song. It’s time to activate our network so we all send the same message to our government – loudly and powerfully.
The campaign is already underway. We’re gathering information and doing outreach to the communities that need this help the most. Next, we’ll invite and involve grassroots and Indigenous groups to hold live events to rally and educate people around this critical initiative.
Can the forests of BC count on you?
If you’re able to give at this time your generosity will enable the campaign to become even more powerful.
In the month of March, we have a generous sponsor who has pledged to match every dollar donated up to $42,000!
You can click here to donate or send an e-transfer to [email protected].
Your generosity has the power to protect forests and restore safety and security to communities.
What an incredible future that would be!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Houghton, Board Member
Boundary Forest Watershed Stewardship Society
www.boundaryforest.org
- https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2024/03/08/bc-snowpack-march-2024/