Video

Why old-growth forests are NOT a renewable resource

You may be wondering: “Aren’t old-growth forests renewable resources? They’ll just regrow once we’ve cut them down, right? Unfortunately, this isn’t true with today’s forestry practices. Watch this video to learn more.

It takes centuries for old-growth forests to bounce back

Contrary to popular belief, old-growth forests are not renewable resources. It can take centuries, even millennia, for these forests to develop into beautifully complex ecosystems and reach maturity. Once logged, it’s nearly impossible to replicate the intricate biodiversity and ecological functions of an old-growth forest with most modern forestry practices.

Many forests in B.C. are cut in 50-80 year cycles, far too soon for forests to regenerate their old-growth characteristics — especially if the forests are being replaced by mono-crop tree plantations.

Why keeping old growth standing is important

Logging of old-growth forests can have devastating consequences, not only for the trees themselves but also for the species that call these forests home. Clear-cutting disrupts the delicate balance of the ecosystem, leading to habitat loss, soil erosion, and decreased biodiversity.

Preserving remaining old-growth forests is crucial for mitigating climate change as these huge trees are incredibly good at storing carbon and retaining water, and they are important habitat for a number of endangered species.

While sustainable forestry practices can be applied to managed forests, old-growth forests should be protected to ensure their long-term survival.