Comprehensive wilderness protection in British Columbia: an economic impact assessment

Abstract

This study develops an economic model for assessing the impacts of a comprehensive wilderness proposal on the British Columbia forest industry. The results indicate that, overall, the impacts are relatively small, involving a 3.5% reduction in the provincial allowable annual cut, with regional impacts ranging from 1.9% to 5.2%. Some ways to offset these impacts are discussed, since the ability to offset employment loss significantly influences the feasibility of wilderness designations. The study highlights the feasibility of developing quantitative models for assessing the economic impacts of land use options. Extending the model developed in this paper by integrating growth and yield models with a geographical information system and an input-output model would facilitate quick and flexible assessments of alternative land use strategies. Development of such a framework is essential for resolving forestry conflicts. -Authors