The Government on B.C. announced more than 2.6 million hectares of old growth forest logging would be deferred for the foreseeable future on Nov. 2.

“Forests are a part of who we are as British Columbians. We have a responsibility to ensure the benefits are shared, today and with future generations," Premier John Horgan said in a press release.

“Following the recommendations of the Old Growth Strategic Review, we are taking steps to fundamentally transform the way we manage our old-growth forests, lands and resources," Horgan continued.

Logging deferrals only halt timber harvesting activities in certain areas temporally, none of these areas will be protected long-term.

Yet over the next few years’, forest ecologists and government officials will review the technical data that maps the provincial landscape to determine which old growth forests are most at risk and require protection

Dr. Karen Price, an independent forest ecologist and a technical advisor to the government, said there is still lots of work to be done and although announcing deferment of more than 2.6 million hectares of old growth is a good first step, seeing it on the ground may take some time.

“The intent [of the deferrals] has been achieved, but have yet to see any deferrals on the ground,” she said in an interview with CICK News.

“There are no tress standing today than would have otherwise been cut down. I’m looking forward to the next month to see whether the government is able to actually implement the intent for deferrals and then I will know if we have achieved success.”

Listen to the full interview below: