Old growth logging deferrals are now in place across 1.7 million hectares of forest, as discussions with First Nations continue.
Last November, the province announced it would begin engagements with First Nations to come to an agreement on the deferral of old growth logging.
So far, they have received responses from 188 of 204 First Nations, though 11 of those have no old growth or no commercial logging on their territory, leaving 5 yet to respond.
Of those who have responded, 75 have come to agreements to defer old growth logging on their territory, and only 7 say they are opposed to any deferrals.
However, 60 of the Nations which have responded have requested more time to incorporate local Indigenous knowledge, before deciding.
As a result of the consultations, 1.05 million hectares have been deferred, including areas that have been paused as engagements continue.
A further 619,000 hectares have been deferred as a result of integrated land-use planning processes currently underway.
Those processes are underway for Nations seeking to manage old growth on their territory in support of broader, related values, such as wildlife and water management.
Comments