A Shift Away from Clear-Cutting

Clear-cutting has long been one of the most common forestry practices in our territory, but it also has very significant impacts on forests and their diverse ecosystems. Large clear-cuts can affect wildlife, reduce forest diversity, and alter landscapes for decades.

Through our forest planning work, ‘Namgis is reducing clear-cutting in certain areas, moving toward a practice called ‘retention harvesting’. This means leaving more trees behind, along edges, in clusters, or as scattered individuals, to maintain forest structure, habitat, and resilience.

This approach helps forests recover more quickly, supports ecosystems functioning, and reflects the growing priority of values beyond timber. It’s a shift toward healthier, more balanced forestry practices for today and for future generations.