Speech to the Western Silvicultural Contractors Association
In his speech to the Western Silvicultural Contractors Association in Prince George, Ben Parfitt shows that British Columbia must:
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put the proper resources into researching the beetle attack that has overrun millions of hectares of the province’s forestlands;
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adequately fund the work required to figure out a comprehensive and effective response to the unfolding calamity;
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collect the most basic information on what has been lost as a result of the ongoing attack; and
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properly fund a reforestation plan that both helps to ensure that we address a looming timber supply gap, and adequately conserves Interior forests and grasslands in ways that help to create healthier pine-dominated landscapes in the years ahead.
About the author
Ben joined the CCPA staff team as a resource policy analyst in 2005 after years working as an investigative journalist with numerous magazines, and previous to that as a reporter with The Vancouver Sun. He is author and co-author of two books on forestry issues and currently devotes much of his policy research to natural resources, with special attention paid to energy, water, and forest resources and climate change. Ben values being part of a great team at the CCPA as well as the opportunities provided to meet regularly with First Nations, community leaders, environmental advocates and the many people who work in the province’s resource industries and who are committed to progressive change. Ben is an avid cyclist and budding day hiker who likes to take advantage of the many outdoor recreation options open to him and others living in Victoria and south Vancouver Island. He is the proud father of a super-talented daughter, Charlotte Priest, who is wise beyond her years and has taught him much. He also loves to listen to music—the good old fashion way—on vinyl. Follow Ben on Twitter
