Axe taken to B.C. research branch

Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: December 11, 2010 12:00 PM
What’s been termed as a ‘shake-up’ within the Ministry of Forests has produced a significant casualty with local roots.  Since 1927, the forest research branch has built an international reputation for B.C. forestry (in part thanks to the work at the Kalamalka Research Station). But now the provincial research branch (not the local research station) has been disbanded.  “The research branch has had a proud history of 83 years,” said Mike Carlson, who is retired but still working emeritus with the Kalamalka Research Station. “And that’s angered a lot of people.”  The government re-organization has resulted in a number of re-assignments, including research staff.  The restructuring has a lot of people on edge over what this means for the future of forest research, the landscapes and ecosystems of B.C.  “Morale is pretty low,” said Carlson, adding that people are still concerned that further cuts will be made.  Despite numerous attempts, the ministry could not be reached for comment.The only information from the government regarding the future of forest research is a brief explanation: “There is no loss of research capacity; research functions will continue to provide a strong scientific foundation for government policies and legislation.”(more)
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December 11, 2010 12:00 PM Editorial Morning Star Forest research deserves better
Unless you’re deeply entrenched in politics, it’s likely our front page story is news to you.  We are happy to present the news, but admit the timing isn’t ideal since the actual disbandment of the forest research branch took place months ago.  But like our readers, we (the media) weren’t sufficiently informed of the news.  The government rarely hesitates to strive for headlines on funding   announcements or other “good news” stories. But when it came to this, there were no press releases, no return phone calls, no information to be found on the ministry website and hardly an explanation.
But just as citizens are calling for a recall of Campbell’s HST, there should be a recall on the  disbandment of the forest research branch.  The branch obviously has a function, or it never would have been created in 1927. And it has obviously done well, or it wouldn’t have lasted 83 years. But why the sudden cut?  Is forest research no longer needed? Has the government learned all it can when it comes to our precious resource? Are our forests no longer a priority for government?  There are still a lot of unanswered questions and a lot of uncertainty as to what will happen.  At the very least, the government owes the citizens of B.C., particularly those who proudly held positions in the research branch, an explanation, if not a recall of what appears to be a mistake.  Just like the HST, it should also be part of the debate that Liberal leadership candidates use in their campaigns.
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Posted on the Coldstreamer originally on Nov. 25:

Bad news for forestry - potentially bad news for the Kalamalka Forestry Centre.

Mr. Kiss' Comment at that time: It is with great trepidation I heard the sad news. As the research scientist who fought long and hard for the establishment of the Kalamalka Forestry Centre I have great concern for its future. We had many world class scientists visiting the Centre, a great deal of world class research was generated here and a lame-duck Premier is willing to throw all that away. There should be an outcry and our MLA should be the first to question the decision. I urge all local politician to express their outrage.