In September, 2007, Dr. David J. Connell launched a study to
explore possible answers to the matter of whether or not we should be
harvesting cedars from the inland rainforest of the upper Fraser River
valley. The purpose of the study is to examine the community and
economic benefits of non-timber uses of this inland wet-temperate
rainforest. In other words, the project is trying to assess the value
of not cutting down thousand-year-old cedar trees to compare to the
value of harvesting these trees. The inland rainforest is home to a unique forest ecosystem that
combines attributes of BC’s coastal rainforests and Canada’s northern
boreal forests. The magnificence of this ancient forest rivals that of
the well-known coastal rainforests of BC, yet has not received the same
level or kind of attention. One of the reasons for the lack of
attention on this inland rainforest is its low timber value. In
contrast with the high timber-value forests of Clayoquot Sound for
example, the low timber-value of the hollow cedars of the upper Fraser
River valley, some of which are estimated to be over one thousand years
old, and perhaps two thousand years old, does not garner the same
attention from industry, government, or the general public. The
outcome is lower potential for conflict among alternative uses of the
rainforest.
However, as the few remaining stands of ancient cedars come under
increasing pressure of harvesting and the demand for other uses
increases, the need to ask more questions about competing values
increases. This potential for conflict stands in sharp contrast with
the limited knowledge of the rainforest’s economic potential and
conservation values. Its remote location, limited access, and low
timber value leave the thousand year-old cedars not only
under-appreciated, but also relatively unknown.
This study of the economic and community benefits of non-timber uses
helps advance practices for the use and conservation of the inland
rainforest that enhance the social, economic and environmental
well-being of northern communities in BC. The research will advance
long-term planning and land development management of the area and will
assist people to respond positively to change and growth related to
competing interests.
With funding from the Future Forest Ecosystems Scientific Council (FFESC) the project enters a new phase of research.
The
social and biological values associated with the inland rainforest is now being
examined in the context of possible effects of climate change. Our examination will focus on assessments in
three major areas: (a) perceived values of future non-timber uses of the ITR;
(b) perceptions of vulnerability of non-timber uses under different climate
change scenarios; and (c) opportunities for adaptation. This phase of research is part of a larger project examining the vulnerability of the inland rainforest to effects of climate change.
The following is a list of websites that provide additional resources related to the inland rainforest of the upper Fraser River valley.
However, as the few remaining stands of ancient cedars come under
increasing pressure of harvesting and the demand for other uses
increases, the need to ask more questions about competing values
increases. This potential for conflict stands in sharp contrast with
the limited knowledge of the rainforest’s economic potential and
conservation values. Its remote location, limited access, and low
timber value leave the thousand year-old cedars not only
under-appreciated, but also relatively unknown. 