Thursday April 30, 2026 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Last weekend a panel about the future of forestry in BC was held at the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (AVICC) convention in Victoria.
and Dr Younes Alila. [Mary P Brooke / Island Social Trends]
Panelists who are leaders in the forest sector explored short, mid-range and long-term requirements to keep the forestry sector alive and well — in terms of business success, jobs, and natural ecosystems (not just the trees themselves but also animals and the full cycle of natural activity in forests).
There was also concern expressed about the downside risks of clear cutting (or significant removal of trees) that evidently contributes to increased incidence of wildfires and flooding.
A general comment at the Saturday afternoon forestry session on April 25 was about the Minister of Forest’s action on the Forestry file, with no specifics given.
Island Social Trends requested a statement from the Ministry of Forests (April 29, 2026):
- “The path forward is sustainable forestry that takes into consideration both the economy and conservation.
- The Province is building a sector that can weather challenges, stay competitive, and keep supporting communities for generations to come, all while conserving our most special old forests.
- This is accomplished with a long-term vision and not through short-term fixes.”
This work is already underway by:
- “Partnering with First Nations to drive more predictability and stability in the sector through long-term management plans.
- Building on the stewardship and sustainability frameworks we already have in place.
- Moving forward on a path that conserves our old forests and biodiversity while supporting good jobs, new opportunities, and healthy communities.”
Here are some of these initiatives in action:
- “Throughout British Columbia there are 15 Forest Landscape Planning tables bringing communities, industry, and First Nations together to shape the future of our forests. This includes the historic Section 7 agreement with the ‘Namgis First Nation on the North Island.
- We’re building more in B.C. through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, backing 75 wood manufacturers, unlocking over $590 million in investment, and creating or protecting more than 3,500 good-paying forestry jobs.
- In 2025, 231 million trees were planted by BC Timber Sales (BCTS), licensees, and the Forest Investment Program (FIP), restoring ecosystems and strengthening our land base. That momentum is continuing, this year we are on track to plant 233.9 million trees to support sustainable and stable forests.
- Through legislative amendments, BCTS will be empowered to improve access to fibre, create more opportunities for loggers and contractors, deepen partnerships with First Nations and strengthen its stewardship role in B.C.’s forests.”
Further discussion:
The BC Community Forest Association (BCCFA) 2026 Conference & AGM is coming up June 3 to 5 in Vernon, BC.
That will be a further opportunity for the forestry sector to explore next-steps for a sector that is challenged both economically and terms of how it deals with impacts on natural ecology.
===== RELATED:
- Sustainable forestry would support industry, jobs and ecosystems (April 26, 2026)
- Earth Week webinar: balancing nature’s needs with fire protection (April 14, 2026)
- BC Forests Minister: no change to softwood lumber duties (April 10, 2026)
- NEWS SECTIONS: FORESTRY | ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY | WEATHER IMPACTS | WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT | LIVING WITH CLIMATE CHANGE