This report is both a warning and a wake-up call. If current trends continue, the state of B.C.'s forests will mirror that of the United States, where only 5% of old-growth forests remain.

Many studies have now proven that the cutting down of ancient forests and replacing them with tree farms is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity. Science clearly shows that ecosystems function better when they have a wide variety of species in them. The loss of ancient woodlands and their biodiversity not only contributes to the Earth's climate change by adding more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, but this loss also destroys the natural mechanisms that could repair the damage.¹⁰³

Canada has both an opportunity and an obligation to protect its ancient forests, but both government and industry are committed to "tree farms" and the rapid liquidation of old-growth forests.

In B.C., where the last stands of ancient temperate rainforest remain, both government and industry are violating the promises made to protect the forests for future generations.

As the forest industry stands poised to log the last of the old-growth forests, the choices we make as a society become even more poignant. We must act to turn the tide of destruction in the next few years -- while we still have choices.