Policies for the Reduction of Slash Pile Burning in BC Forests

In British Columbia, it is a common practice for forest companies to pile the unwanted fibre after harvest and burn the piles. There are numerous reasons why companies do this, but the primary reason is to reduce the forest fire risk. However, slash burning produces greenhouse gas emissions and local air contaminants. BC has also seen a significant reduction in the timber supply in interior regions due to the mountain pine beetle devastation. Thus, government and the industry are looking for ways to reduce the negative impacts of slash burning while still addressing forest fire risk. I examine alternatives to slash burning, using evidence from other regions and stakeholder interviews to assess policy options.