t AG. Terrace Review — Wednesday, May 15, 1991 ” one theme underlined virtually everything we heard — the states quo is not good enough." panies resounded with soggy snapping sounds as big shots bit off the ends of their cigars. The Forest Resources Com- mission issued its first full report, and some of the recommendations are zingers, proof that in fact they really were listening to people at what-seemed over the previous year to be an interminable series of . t the end of April the board rooms of major forest com- public meetings. In its reflection of social values and assessment of the state of the world in relation to forestry, the report stands as a milestone on par with the Pearse report of the 1970's and the earlier Sloan report that resulted in the establishment of the Tree Farm Licence system. A comparison shows that public attitudes have come a long distance in that time and the industry and government have failed to keep pace. This report accurately concludes that forest management cannot reflect the evolving expectations of the landlords — the people of British Columbia — while vast areas of commercial forest are con- trolled under the tenure of multinational corporations headquartered in the remote financial capitals of the world. That is not to say that some forest companies have not tried, in some cases with the appear- ance of success, to incorporate public values into their forest manage- ment regimes. But depending on the good will of corporate directors is an insecure and unpredictable state of affairs for people, like those living here, who have an allegiance to our forests both for our life- styles and our livelihoods. Forest Resources Commission report The commission has recommended that over a long period of time — too long, perhaps, for many — the large area-based tenures that currently make up neatly 50 percent of the commercial forest be reduced to half of their current size. The deleted parls would be either placed under local control or offered for sale to market log- gers, who would then be able to sell the timber on a competitive log . market. In examining the history of this region, there is a feeling we've been there before. The Terrace area supported a number of thriving small sawmills prior to the formation of Tree Farm Licence #1, when an overwhelming portion of the forests around here were rolled into one vast pulp log farm. The small mills perished for lack of timber. Is it too late for a return to competitive marketing of timber? The circumstances have changed drastically. For decades now the industry has been set up around high-volume, low-cost manufacturing. A change that would open up more forest for market loggers and in fact create a real market has the potential for straightening out a lot of problems in the existing system, but could the mills adapt? Like most economic experiments, this move would be a combina- tion of carefully applied theory, fate and luck, Perhaps that’s why the commission decided it would be best to back into this idea slowly: their recommendation is to cut off five percent of tree farm licences each time the tenure changes hands. Too slowly for some interests, too quickly for others. DRAUSS tee 456 + Sick Ee Established May 1, 1985 The Terrace Review Is published each Wednesday by Close-Up Business Services Ltd. Publisher: Betty Barton Editor: Michael Kelly oF Staff Reporters: _ Tod Strachan, Betty Barton National Advertising: Marjorle Twyford ‘Local Advertising: Jack Beck Office/Typesstting: _ « Garrle Olson ’ Production Manager: Jim Hail Production: - Charles Costello, Gurbax Gill, — Ranjit Nizar, George McLean Accounting: Marj Twyford, Harminder K. Dosanjh Art and Graphics: Marianne Brorup Weston ‘Mark Twyford, President Close Up Business Services Lid. 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