Clearcut Logging and Hydrology

Inadequate Forest Management in a Changing Climate

December 14, 2023 - 6:00pm

From the CPAWS Southern Alberta website:

Please join us on December 14 for a fascinating webinar featuring Dr. Younes Alila, Professor of Hydrology and Watershed Management at the University of British Columbia.

Dr. Alila will be diving into the forestry industry’s outdated premise that clearcut logging is not the cause of environmental degradation, which impacts both infrastructure and water quality in our communities. He will be discussing the industry’s reliance on climate change as the scapegoat for the increase in extreme flooding, drought and landslide events as a “justification of convenience” that ignores established hydrology science.

As he notes: “These practices are destabilizing our forests… So we continue to do clear-cut logging because it is the cheapest method of logging, but the next question is at what cost?“

Following Dr. Alila’s presentation, our own Conservation Science and Program Manager, Josh Killeen will explore the implications of these findings in the context of Alberta’s own forest management system, and in particular how the Alberta Forest Act — which dates back to the 1960s — is not adequately informed by the last 50+ years of advancements in our understanding of climate change, species-at-risk, forest ecosystems, ecological integrity, or community impacts.

The webinar will be facilitated by our Executive Director, Katie Morrison, and will conclude with a Q&A period for the audience.