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Alarm Raised Over Old-Growth Logging in British Columbia

Photographic evidence and community action drive urgent calls to protect British Columbia’s endangered old-growth forests.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 27, 2025

Photographic evidence and community action drive urgent calls to protect British Columbia’s endangered old-growth forests.

British Columbia’s ancient old-growth forests—home to some of the planet’s largest and most ecologically valuable trees—face an unprecedented crisis. As logging accelerates and government protection remains patchy, a new wave of photographic documentation, led by activists and community groups, has brought international attention to the fragility of these irreplaceable ecosystems. This article explores the perilous state of old-growth logging in B.C., the power of recent visual evidence, and the collaborative calls for meaningful action.

Photo Evidence Sparks Global Concern

Recent expeditions by photographers and forest advocates have revealed the stark reality: centuries-old trees, some towering over 250 feet and measuring more than 10 feet in diameter, are still actively felled in British Columbia’s last intact old-growth valleys. These images provide powerful, visual testimony of the ongoing destruction and serve as crucial tools in stirring public outrage and global advocacy for change.

Photos show massive tree stumps and denuded landscapes where vibrant, ancient ecosystems once thrived.
Visual documentation of intact stands, biodiversity, and the staggering size of ancient trees contrasts with clear-cut sites mere kilometers away.
Activists distribute these images on social media to amplify grassroots calls to action and pressure governmental response.

The Ecological Value of Old-Growth Forests

Old-growth forests in B.C. represent more than spectacular natural wonders. They are part of dynamic ecological systems essential to climate stability, wildlife habitat, Indigenous culture, and biodiversity preservation.

Carbon sequestration: Ancient forests store vast amounts of carbon in their biomass and soils, making them invaluable in mitigating climate change effects.
Wildlife refugia: Many rare and threatened species, such as the marbled murrelet and the northern goshawk, depend on the unique structure of undisturbed old-growth ecosystems.
Water security: These forests regulate watersheds, moderate floods, and ensure clean water supplies for communities and species alike.
Cultural significance: First Nations have spiritual, cultural, and economic ties to old-growth sites; loss erases irreplaceable heritage and traditional knowledge.

How Much Old-Growth Really Remains?

Contrary to provincial claims of broad old-growth protections, recent analysis shows true ancient forests make up a tiny fraction of total forested area in B.C. Some official figures include younger or less ecologically significant forests under the old-growth label, masking the precarious state of genuinely irreplaceable stands.

Attribute	Estimate (Pre-Industrial)	Today’s Estimate	Notes
Total Old-Growth Forest	~25 million ha	~11.1 million ha	Dramatic decline, starkest in productive, valley-bottom forest
Large-Tree Productive Stands	Most of coastal & southern B.C.	< 3% remain	Critical for biodiversity & carbon storage
Permanently Protected	–	~3.7 million ha	Some in parks/conservancies; many are less productive/alpine
Recently Deferred (since 2021)	–	~2.4 million ha	Temporary, not permanent; subject to future decisions

Recent Policy Moves: Are They Enough?

The B.C. government has responded to community outcry with a patchwork approach, including temporary logging deferrals, indigenous partnerships, and the creation of new conservancies. However, researchers argue these steps fall short of the comprehensive, permanent protection needed.

Deferrals: As of early 2025, about 2.4 million hectares of old growth have been temporarily deferred from logging, but these are not permanent protections and may be reversed following further reviews or negotiations.
Parks and Conservancies: The expansion of protected areas, such as the Klinse-za/Twin Sisters Park and new conservancies in partnership with First Nations, marks some progress but still leaves critical valleys vulnerable.
Forest Landscape Planning (FLP): Ongoing collaborative planning with First Nations aims to develop more sustainable, locally adapted management strategies, but implementation is incomplete.

Despite these actions, recent investigative photos show active clear-cutting persists within crucial old-growth habitats, particularly in areas with high biodiversity and cultural importance.

Economic and Ecosystem Value: Beyond Timber

Old-growth forests offer benefits that far outweigh their value as timber. New economic studies show that, when broader ecosystem services are considered, keeping old-growth forests intact is more profitable for local and global communities alike.

Carbon Benefits: Modeling indicates billions of dollars in net benefits if old growth is preserved, primarily through carbon storage and the associated climate mitigation value.
Ecosystem Services: Traditional timber-focused economics undervalue old forests by neglecting their role in air purification, water regulation, recreation, and cultural inspiration.
Long-Term Prosperity: Protecting ancient forests secures sustainable tourism, research opportunities, and healthy environments for generations to come.
Losses from Logging: Clear-cutting results in irreversible ecological damage, increased flood and landslide risks, and diminished climate resilience.

The Role of Indigenous Leadership

First Nations have led the way in advocating for stronger old-growth preservation, drawing on deep connections to the land and holistic stewardship principles. Indigenous governments increasingly participate in land-use planning and protected area designations, but meaningful reconciliation requires respecting Indigenous rights as well as ecological boundaries.

Recent conservancy designations, such as those in Clayoquot Sound, are achieved in partnership with Indigenous communities, reflecting a shift toward greater Indigenous authority.
Many calls for protection emphasize land-back and stewardship initiatives that prioritize traditional knowledge alongside conservation science.
Without Indigenous consent, deferred logging policies may lack legitimacy and effectiveness.

Public Pressure and Citizen Action

Grassroots movements, fueled by viral images and on-the-ground organizing, have put substantial pressure on policymakers to end logging of irreplaceable old-growth. International organizations, local communities, and eco-tourism operators are uniting to demand science-based, permanent protection for critical stands.

Protests at sites like Fairy Creek have drawn thousands, with diverse groups standing in solidarity to halt destructive logging operations.
Online petitions and campaigns powered by striking visual evidence drive global awareness, fundraising, and engagement.
Activists call for transparent monitoring and enforcement, not just temporary moratoriums.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are old-growth forests unique compared to other forests?

Old-growth forests possess ecological complexity, mature large-diameter trees, multi-layered canopies, deadwood, and specialized habitats not found in commercially managed or younger forests. These characteristics support rare species and provide extraordinary carbon storage capacity.

How much protected old-growth forest actually remains in B.C.?

While official statistics cite millions of hectares, the vast majority of genuinely productive, high-biodiversity old-growth (valley-bottom and large-tree stands) have already been logged, with only a small percentage permanently protected. Many protected areas are either high elevation or less productive landscapes.

What is the difference between a logging deferral and permanent protection?

Logging deferrals are temporary suspensions, meant to prevent immediate loss while longer-term negotiations or planning occurs. Permanent protection (such as through park or conservancy status) provides formal, legal safeguards that cannot be easily reversed.

How does old-growth logging impact Indigenous communities?

Logging of old-growth forests undermines Indigenous rights and title, disrupts cultural sites, food gathering, and traditional uses, and diminishes the ecological integrity on which Indigenous knowledge systems depend. Respectful partnerships and informed consent are essential moving forward.

What can people do to help save B.C.’s old-growth forests?

Support Indigenous-led stewardship initiatives and land-back efforts.
Participate in campaigns, petitions, and peaceful demonstrations demanding permanent protection for ancient forests.
Share photos, stories, and articles to raise awareness with friends, family, and policymakers.
Press governments to follow through with science-based recommendations and provide transparent updates on protection status.

What Comes Next for British Columbia’s Ancient Forests?

The fate of B.C.’s last old-growth forests hangs in the balance. New photographic evidence has ignited a sense of urgency, but durable protection depends on honest accounting, meaningful reconciliation, and a clear shift in forest management priorities. As science, economics, and community action converge, the world is watching whether British Columbia will choose to safeguard its wildest treasures for the future—or allow them to be lost forever.

Note: Data and reporting reflect the status of old-growth protection and policy developments as of February 2025.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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