Old-growth forests in British Columbia (B.C.) are not just ecological treasures but also hold significant economic value, influencing the province’s economy, culture, and global environmental standing. These ancient ecosystems, characterized by trees often over 250 years old on the coast and 140 years in the interior, provide a complex array of benefits that extend far beyond traditional timber harvesting. While the forestry sector has long been a cornerstone of B.C.’s economy, recent studies and shifting public priorities highlight that old-growth forests may be worth more standing than logged when considering their contributions to carbon storage, tourism, recreation, and non-timber products. This 2,000-word article explores the multifaceted economic value of B.C.’s old-growth forests, weighing the benefits of preservation against the impacts of logging, and examining the province’s evolving approach to forest management.
The Role of Old-Growth Forests in B.C.’s Economy
Old-growth forests have historically been integral to B.C.’s forest industry, which remains a vital economic driver. In 2022, the forest sector contributed $15.6 billion to B.C.’s total exports, supported over 6,570 businesses, and employed approximately 56,100 people. Forest products accounted for 24% of the province’s commodity exports, with 74% sold internationally. The B.C. government reported $1.9 billion in revenue from the forest sector in fiscal year 2021/22, primarily from timber sales, which funds infrastructure and public services. Old-growth timber, particularly cedar, is highly valued for specialty products like shakes, shingles, and high-end lumber, with coastal old-growth forests comprising about 50% of the timber harvesting land base.
However, the economic narrative is shifting. Studies, such as those by ESSA Technologies and the Ancient Forest Alliance, suggest that the societal benefits of preserving old-growth forests often outweigh the financial gains from logging. These benefits include carbon sequestration, tourism revenue, recreation, and non-timber forest products, which collectively contribute billions to the economy and support long-term sustainability.
Timber Harvesting: The Traditional Economic Value
Old-growth forests have long been prized for their high-quality timber. Coastal old-growth sites can yield 1,500–1,800 cubic meters per hectare, compared to about one-third of that from second-growth forests, which are harvested at younger ages. This high yield makes old-growth timber, especially cedar, economically significant for specific industries. For example, nine sawmills on Vancouver Island specialize in cedar, and a reduction in old-growth cedar availability could disproportionately impact these operations. In 2019, the forest industry generated $13 billion in provincial GDP, with 27% of the annual harvest coming from old-growth forests.
The economic importance of old-growth logging is particularly pronounced in rural communities, where forestry is often the primary employer. The sector directly supports over 50,000 jobs, including 5,300 Indigenous workers, and indirectly sustains related industries like transportation and manufacturing. However, the reliance on old-growth timber is not sustainable long-term, as less than 1% of B.C.’s forests are highly productive old-growth, and these ecosystems take centuries to regenerate.
Ecosystem Services: The Hidden Economic Benefits
Old-growth forests provide a range of ecosystem services that are often undervalued in traditional economic assessments. These services include carbon storage, biodiversity preservation, tourism, recreation, and non-timber forest products, which collectively offer substantial economic benefits.
Carbon Storage and Sequestration
Old-growth forests are critical carbon sinks, storing vast amounts of carbon in their trees, soil, and biomass. A 2025 report by ESSA Technologies estimated that fully protecting old-growth forests in the Prince George and Okanagan Timber Supply Areas (TSAs) could prevent 28 million tonnes of carbon emissions over 100 years, equivalent to burning 63 million barrels of oil. This carbon storage is valued at $10.9 billion to $43.1 billion over a century, depending on protection levels. Even protecting only the most at-risk forests could yield $11 billion in benefits. These figures underscore the role of old-growth forests in mitigating climate change, a service that becomes increasingly valuable as global carbon markets and offset programs expand.
Tourism and Recreation
B.C.’s old-growth forests, such as Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park, attract visitors from around the world, contributing significantly to the tourism economy. A study near Port Renfrew found that protecting old-growth forests could generate $97 million in net economic benefits over 100 years, with tourism and recreation as major drivers. In the Prince George and Okanagan TSAs, tourism and recreation benefits from old-growth preservation are estimated at $300 million and $491 million, respectively. The iconic trees and pristine landscapes draw hikers, photographers, and eco-tourists, supporting local businesses and creating jobs. Notably, tourism jobs can nearly offset losses from reduced timber harvesting, though wages may be lower.
Non-Timber Forest Products
Old-growth forests yield non-timber products like wild edibles (e.g., mushrooms, berries), medicinal plants, floral greenery, and landscaping materials. These products support small-scale industries and Indigenous economies, adding to the economic value of standing forests. While precise valuations are challenging due to data limitations, these products contribute to local livelihoods and cultural practices, particularly for First Nations communities.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Resilience
Old-growth forests support unparalleled biodiversity, hosting species like the spotted owl, marbled murrelet, and salmon, many of which are endemic and cannot survive in younger forests. This biodiversity underpins ecosystem services like water regulation, soil stabilization, and flood mitigation, which have indirect economic benefits. For example, intact forests reduce landslide risks and improve water quality, saving costs on infrastructure and disaster recovery. The economic value of these services is often underestimated but critical for long-term societal well-being.
The Cost of Logging Old-Growth Forests
While logging old-growth forests generates immediate revenue, it comes with significant economic and ecological costs. Clear-cutting disrupts ecosystem services, reduces carbon storage, and diminishes tourism potential. A 2021 study by the Ancient Forest Alliance near Port Renfrew showed that protecting old-growth forests across 17 scenarios (30–100% protection) resulted in net societal benefits, driven by carbon sequestration, tourism, and recreation. In contrast, continued logging led to losses in these areas, with only 66% of GDP losses from reduced timber harvesting offset by tourism.
Logging also exacerbates climate-related risks. Old-growth forests are more resilient to wildfires and drought due to their moist soils, layered canopies, and large trees, which retain moisture. Harvesting these forests increases fire severity and flood risks, as seen in B.C.’s recent climate-driven disasters. These events impose economic costs on communities, from property damage to disrupted livelihoods.
Furthermore, the depletion of old-growth forests threatens long-term timber supply. With only 3.6 million hectares of old-growth forest available for harvesting out of B.C.’s 20 million hectares of public forest, and less than 1% classified as highly productive, the industry faces a future where second-growth forests must dominate. Transitioning to sustainable second-growth harvesting is essential, but it requires time and investment, as second-growth yields are significantly lower.
Cultural and Indigenous Economic Value
Old-growth forests hold profound cultural and economic value for Indigenous Peoples, who have relied on them for millennia. Coastal First Nations use cedar for baskets, ropes, totem poles, and ceremonial items, practices protected under the Heritage Conservation Act for culturally modified trees pre-dating 1846. These forests are integral to spiritual beliefs and traditional resource use, supporting Indigenous economies through non-timber products and cultural tourism.
The B.C. government’s commitment to reconciliation, guided by the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, emphasizes Indigenous-led forest management. Many First Nations advocate for old-growth protection, recognizing its long-term economic benefits through sustainable stewardship. However, some communities face economic pressures to accept logging revenue, highlighting the need for government support to transition to conservation-based economies.
Policy Shifts and Economic Implications
B.C.’s approach to old-growth forests is evolving, driven by the 2020 Old Growth Strategic Review, which outlined 14 recommendations for sustainable forest management. The province has deferred logging on 1.7 million hectares of at-risk old-growth forests and partnered with First Nations to develop long-term management plans prioritizing timber, cultural, and biodiversity values. However, critics note that over 31,800 hectares of deferred forests have been logged since 2020, and many deferrals cover low-productivity forests not targeted for harvesting.
The government is also investing in value-added wood manufacturing and silviculture innovation to diversify the forest economy. Programs like the Value-Added Accelerators and support for workers and communities aim to mitigate economic impacts from reduced old-growth harvesting. These initiatives align with public sentiment—92% of British Columbians support old-growth protection and a diversified economy.
Comparing Economic Scenarios
Studies like ESSA’s 2025 report provide a framework for comparing economic outcomes. In the Prince George and Okanagan TSAs, protecting all old-growth forests could yield $43.1 billion in benefits over 100 years, primarily from carbon storage, compared to continued logging, which erodes these gains. Even partial protection of at-risk forests generates $10.9 billion, offsetting timber losses through tourism and non-timber products. However, doubled wildfire scenarios could negate these benefits, emphasizing the need for improved fire management.
In Port Renfrew, a 2021 study showed that full old-growth protection resulted in a $90–$97 million net benefit, with tourism nearly replacing timber jobs. While timber harvesting supports higher wages, the long-term economic stability of preservation outweighs short-term gains, especially when factoring in carbon offsets and sustainable industries.
Challenges and Opportunities
Transitioning to an economy that prioritizes old-growth preservation faces challenges:
- Economic Disruption: Reduced old-growth harvesting could impact jobs and revenue in timber-dependent communities, requiring robust transition support.
- Data Gaps: Valuing ecosystem services like cultural benefits or flood mitigation is complex due to limited data, leading to conservative estimates.
- Wildfire Risks: Interior forests are prone to wildfires, which could diminish preservation benefits without proactive management.
Opportunities include:
- Carbon Markets: Monetizing carbon storage through offsets could generate new revenue streams for communities and First Nations.
- Eco-Tourism Growth: Investing in old-growth tourism infrastructure could boost local economies, as seen in areas like Port Renfrew.
- Indigenous-Led Conservation: Supporting Indigenous protected areas and sustainable enterprises aligns with reconciliation and economic diversification.
Conclusion
The economic value of old-growth forests in British Columbia extends far beyond their timber. While logging generates immediate revenue, the long-term benefits of preservation—carbon storage, tourism, recreation, and non-timber products—are substantial, potentially worth billions over decades. Studies estimate that protecting old-growth in key regions could yield $10.9–$43.1 billion in net benefits, driven by climate mitigation and sustainable industries. For Indigenous communities, these forests are cultural and economic lifelines, underscoring the need for Indigenous-led management.
B.C. stands at a crossroads. The province’s commitment to the Old Growth Strategic Review and reconciliation offers a path toward sustainable forest stewardship, but challenges like job losses and wildfire risks require careful navigation. By investing in conservation, eco-tourism, and value-added industries, B.C. can preserve its old-growth forests while fostering a resilient economy. The evidence is clear: these ancient ecosystems are worth more standing, not just for their ecological and cultural significance but for the enduring economic prosperity they promise. To secure this future, policymakers, First Nations, and communities must act swiftly to protect what remains of B.C.’s irreplaceable old-growth forests.