Old Growth Forests – What is the Path Forward

Recorded: April 7, 2022, from 12pm to 1:20pm

The protest over logging old-growth trees at the Fairy Creek watershed on Vancouver Island has renewed the debate over how best to manage these ancient stands. Controversy swirls around how much old-growth remains in the province. Protecting these big trees could have ripple effects for the over 40,000 people employed in the forestry sector in BC, as well as the province’s economy. Our expert panel will share perspectives from the areas of conservation biology; First Nations rights and practices; and land management and planning that can help deepen your understanding of the issues and identify potential paths forward.

Cam Brown (BSF’93)
Cam holds forestry degrees from UBC and OSU and is a registered professional forester in both BC and SK. He has over 25 years of experience working in the forest sector – primarily in consulting roles in Western Canada. He manages Forsite Consultants Limited’s resource management and technology business unit, which offers analytical and planning services to the Canadian forestry industry.

Robert J. Dennis Sr. (Emchayiik)
Robert is the elected Chief Councillor for Huu-ay-aht First Nations on Vancouver Island. He has been serving his community for over 30 years, 24 of those in his current position. In one of his most recent projects, he along with the Nations’ Economic Development Strategy team purchased 11 properties in Bamfield and negotiated partial ownership in the tree farm licence on Huu-ay-aht’s territory.

Rachel Holt
Rachel is an independent ecologist that holds a PhD and R.P.Bio designation, she has worked on the ecology and management of old-growth forests for over 25 years. Rachel was on the Forest Practices Board for six, two of which she served as vice-chair. She is a current member of the BC Old Growth Technical Advisory Panel.

Garry Merkel (DSc’21)
Garry is a member of the Tahltan Nation in northwest British Columbia. He is a registered professional forester with over 45 years of experience. Garry was a member of the two-person independent panel that reviewed BC’s old-growth strategy and is a current member of the BC Old Growth Technical Advisory Panel.