Explain the importance of British Columbia's old-growth forests. Include their ecological benefits, three animal species that depend on them, their cultural significance to Indigenous Peoples, and how culturally modified trees are defined and legally protected under provincial law.
Navigate to the main Forestry page on the Province of British Columbia website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry Use the search bar on the Forestry page to search for 'Old growth definitions and values'. Click on the search result link titled 'Old growth definitions and values'. Locate and extract information from the 'Ecological values' section regarding benefits and dependent animal species. Locate and extract information from the 'Social and cultural values' section regarding Indigenous connections, the definition of culturally modified trees, and their legal protection. Synthesize the gathered information to provide a comprehensive answer.
Accurately describe the ecological benefits of old-growth forests (e.g., unique habitats, diverse flora/fauna, carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas reduction). List at least three specific animal species mentioned as dependent on old-growth forests (e.g., Marbled Murrelet, Northern Goshawk, Fisher, Marten, Pileated Woodpecker, Caribou). Accurately describe the social and cultural significance of old-growth forests (e.g., natural heritage, recreation, deep cultural/spiritual connection for Indigenous Peoples). Correctly define culturally modified trees as those altered by Indigenous Peoples before 1846. Correctly state that culturally modified trees are protected under the Heritage Conservation Act.