MOUNTAIN LIFE - Coast Mountains | Fall Winter 2019

120 time-consuming, “old-fashioned” methods of combing through satellite imagery and bushwhacking to potential sites. In a David versus Goliath race Watts says, “oftentimes we (AFA and logging companies) are looking at the same places. I frequently arrive (at a stand of old-growth) and think ‘this is an exceptional spot,’ but sure enough there is either flagging tape or machines there—or it’s already been cut down.” Once flagging tape is up, it’s very hard to stop logging plans in place. There is plenty of science explaining how old-growth forest are vital to ecosystems within BC. The mere existence of these ancient giants can benefit salmon populations, improve the quality of air we breathe and contribute to forest fire reduction. So how do we ensure their conservation? For the first time in the history of logging, the technology used to help cut down a forest can also help protect it. LiDAR can reveal valuable data such as the character of terrain, biodiversity information, watershed locations and more. In California, Save the Redwoods League is utilizing LiDAR to its full potential. The group, made up of government agencies and conservation organizations, are using the tech to map and identify vulnerable areas in the famous forest. The data collected even allows them to forecast and mitigate potential hazards like landslides that could clog important salmon spawning creeks. Here in BC, this kind of technology could be revolutionary. Adam Olsen is the MLA for Saanich North and the Islands and a vocal advocate for old- growth forests. “We can get down to understanding what trees are where and how many, and how to put a plan in place to log it sustainably,” he says. It isn’t a tech problem, it’s a human problem.” To move forward, Oslen thinks we need to decolonize our relationship with nature, and that the provincial government should help communities pigeonholed by logging to diversify their local economies. Old-growth logging is the number one issue he hears about from constituents, which demonstrates the passion and will to protect these trees. But Watts stresses time is running out to protect the BC giants. He says what’s needed is “for people to believe that they truly do have the power to make a difference.” LiDAR and the best technology available can only inform us—real change will have to come from citizens applying pressure on their government by calling, emailing and petitioning elected officials. The role of LiDAR in the logging industry illustrates one of the greatest challenges of contemporary times: how to avoid using our own intelligence and technological advancements against ourselves. ancientforestalliance.org The role of LiDAR in the logging industry illustrates one of the greatest challenges of contemporary times: how to avoid using our own intelligence and technological advancements against ourselves. The trick is finding the balance between old growth love and the necessity of the log yard. LEFT GARRETT GROVE. RIGHT UNSPLASH/EVAN CLARK In 1958, Bill Gore quit his job to explore the untapped potential of a material called polytetrafluoroethylene. In 1969, his son discovered ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) in their basement laboratory— patents were filed and Gore-Tex became a revolutionary material.