Whereas ancient high productivity big tree old growth ecosystems are one of the most valuable tourism, First Nations culture, wild salmon enhancing, biodiversity banking, and climate resiliency assets; And whereas only a miniscule fraction of the planets original, high productive, ancient forests remain in BC, the vast majority of which is slated to be eliminated through logging; including the headwaters of Fairy Creek, the last unprotected intact old-growth watershed on southern Vancouver Island: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that the Government of British Columbia immediately defer logging in all at risk old-growth forests, as identified by the independent Old Growth Strategic Review panel until all 14 of the panels recommendations have been implemented, and support the transition of affected local communities toward more sustainable jobs; And be it further resolved that UBCM request that the Government of British Columbia allocate funding to support the economic transition of affected communities away from unsustainable old growth logging, in the full spirit of Indigenous reconciliation where applicable, for the development of long-term sustainable local economies and Indigenous protected and conserved areas where applicable.
