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  • Power of Forests

    Jennifer Houghton
    Discover why forests are more than just trees—they are the lifeblood of our water, climate, and communities. In this powerful talk, renowned forest ecologist Herb Hammond explains the vital role forests play in maintaining clean water, stabilizing the climate, and supporting diverse ecosystems.
    Herb dives deep into forest ecology, uncovering how clearcut logging in British Columbia, Canada is wreaking havoc not only on the environment but also on the lives of people who depend on healthy forests. He reveals the devastating impacts of these practices on water cycles, wildlife, and the planet’s ability to regulate carbon.
    He emphasizes how little we truly know about forest restoration, highlighting that forests operate on cycles of 500 years or more—far beyond human lifespans or short-term exploitation plans.
    Herb argues that timber exploitation must stop. He calls for a radical shift in how we interact with forests, grounded in reciprocity and respect for nature's cycles. This change, he insists, must be enshrined in law. By respecting the intricate balance of nature, we can restore ecosystems, protect communities, and create a healthier, more resilient future.
    If you care about forests, water, and the future of our planet, this is a talk you don’t want to miss.
     
     
    Jennifer Houghton
    In this compelling new talk, Dr. Younes Alila, a respected expert in forest hydrology from the University of British Columbia, dives deep into the events that led to this massive landslide that dumped the equivalent of around 2.5 million dump truck loads of material into the river. This presentation is a must-watch for anyone concerned about the future of BC’s forests and the science that shapes forestry practices in our province.

    Key takeaways from Dr. Alila’s talk:
    Cumulative disturbances, not just heavy rains or a wildfire, played a key role in the landslide.
    The hydrology of convenience—the dominant approach in BC’s forestry practices—is misguided and fails to account for the real impacts of forest disturbance on groundwater and landslide frequency.
    Dr. Alila explains how changes in the groundwater table—caused by forest disturbance—can contribute to disastrous landslides, with the Cariboo region as a prime example.
    Dr. Alila challenges long-held assumptions and highlights why we must rethink our approach to forest management in BC. If we are to mitigate further disasters like the Chilcotin landslide, it’s crucial we understand the full scope of how forest disturbances affect our land and water systems.
     
     
    Jennifer Houghton
    Let’s face it—our forests and communities are in rough shape. Over 55,000 forestry jobs lost. More than 80 sawmills shut down. Floods, fires, and drought are hitting harder every year.  The environment is suffering.
    The current system? It’s working great… for a handful of corporations. Meanwhile, the rest of us are left with the mess.
    The New Forest Act is a bold plan developed by BC residents with the help of experts in ecology and forestry legislation. It’s about putting BC’s forests back into the hands of communities—restoring ecosystems, creating local jobs, and ensuring a future we can actually feel good about.
    This proposal also respects the Indigenous tradition of reciprocity with nature—giving back as much as we take and honoring the land that sustains us all.
    And this isn’t just about saving trees. It’s about saving towns, families, and our future.
    Together, we can give a boost to BC’s forest environments and create a better system that works for people, nature, and generations to come.
     
    Jennifer Houghton
    DID YOU KNOW that populations of vertebrate animals—mammals, birds, and more—have dropped by 69 percent since 1970? A major driver of this biodiversity crisis is the destruction of intact, primary forests.
    In her captivating new talk from the Power of Forests event in Prince George, Michelle Connolly of Conservation North exposes how industrial logging is wreaking havoc on BC’s last primary forests—the untouched ecosystems that are critical for wildlife and biodiversity.
    These ecosystems cannot be built by humans, yet they are being destroyed by industrial logging practices, which often mask harmful activities behind misleading buzzwords.
    In her compelling presentation, Michelle explains:
    • Why primary forests are essential for wildlife and biodiversity.
    • The problems with tree plantations and “better logging”.
    • How deforestation and forest degradation accelerate biodiversity loss.
    • Why putting an end to industrial activity (including logging) in primary forests is the only path forward.
    At the end of the day, this isn’t just about trees. It’s about the choices we make as a society, the stories we believe, and the future we want to leave behind.
     
     
     
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