British Columbia wants to designate nearly half of its land area as working forest to send a clear message that it is “open for business”.
The provincial government has released a discussion paper proposing that 22 million ha of Crown land is added to 23 million ha already designated in the timber harvest area. If approved, 48% of the province would be classified as working forest.
The government says the environment would continue to be protected and new parks could be created. However, green groups say the move is tantamount to an assault on the environment.
Consultation on the paper will end on March 14.
