The Interior Lumber Manufacturers’ Association critique challenges the statement in the Socio-Economic Analysis that logging negatively affects bear forage, pointing out that many forage areas are in fact created by harvesting. As well, the critique declares statements in the analysis report regarding the alleged negative impacts of logging on water quality should not be included because they are incorrect and could lead a reader to conclude that new provisions for riparian protection are inadequate.
Three respondents express concern about old-growth protection, suggesting single-tree selection in old-growth stands to minimize impacts until these ecosystems are better understood. In addition, they recommend leaving large trees in mixed age forests and leaving some entire older-growth areas. Old growth is seen as important for biodiversity maintenance and for cultural and tourism values. Another respondent reminds us of the role of trees in cleaning air and providing life-giving oxygen.
One submission maintains that concern for wildlife should be extended to cougar, black bear and other less prominent species. Also, habitat protection and some practices (such as trophy hunting) need to be addressed.
