VICTORIA A new independent study released by the Ancient Forest Alliance shows old-growth forests on Southern Vancouver Island could contribute greater economic benefit to the region when preserved than harvested. The environmental group commissioned the two-and-a-half-year study by Vancouver-based environmental consultants ESSA Technologies. Using old-growth forests located in the Pacheedaht and Ditidaht territories near Port Renfrew, the researchers compared the economic benefits of recreation, tourism, carbon storage and coho salmon habitat to harvesting the timber from ancient forests. When decisions are made to log old-growth forests, typical economic analysis doesn’t consider the value of ecosystem services, said Ancient Forest Alliance campaigner Andrea Inness.
Lane Construction and its partner Webuild Group have signed a final agreement with Texas Central, the company developing the high-speed passenger train in Texas.