Radical changes needed in forestry

Re: “Scrap the old B.C. forest industry, build a new one,” commentary, Feb. 4.

As a recipient of the Order of Canada for my environmental work, I have long been critical of the perspectives on forestry provided by the Forests Ministry, foresters and the forest industry.

Retired forester Anthony Britneff’s perspective resonates with me. He exposes the truth.

In spite of all the good work done by so many in both the private and public sectors to change the government and industry’s destructive behaviour, the mismanagement and state of our public forests has markedly worsened over the past 30 years. Britneff in rapid fire provides most of the reasons why forest governance and management in B.C. have to radically change.

We must act now with scrapping the old forest industry and bad management before it is too late. Put legally enforceable conservation values and protection as the foundation for new legislation and for management into the future. And immediately protect what little is left of the endangered old-growth forests and the rich biodiversity of animals within them.

Vicky Husband Victoria