ECONOMICS OF PROTECTING WILDERNESS AREAS AND OLD-GROWTH TIMBER IN BRITISH-COLUMBIA

This study examines the costs and benefits of preserving old-growth fo rests in British Columbia. Estimates of the present worth of old growt h in timber production are compared with the measurable non-timber ben efits from preserving old-growth, with the differences between the com mercial timber and measurable non-timber values attributed to the unme asured components of non-timber values. Economic efficiency benefits a re then compared with benefits that accrue in other accounts used to a nalyze decisions. For reasonable values of non-timber values, current levels of wilderness protection (and thus of old growth) are more than adequate on the Coast, but an increase in wilderness area of 1.6 mill ion ha (or some 80,000 ha of old growth) might be economically justifi able.