The Forest in Crisis

The Forest Watchers tells us some remarkable things about one of our great natural resources. For example, although nearly one half of Canada is forest, by the end of the century the supply might fall short of the demand. The film explains why, and describes what is being done to stem the disaster. Methods range from trekking through the forest on foot to the use of highly sophisticated technology. The data compiled are far from reassuring. Is there time to salvage this fast-dying resource?

All across eastern North America, trees are dying and soils are being poisoned by acid rain. This compelling film, hosted by prominent scientist and broadcaster David Suzuki, investigates the frightening phenomenon of forest dieback, and proposes some solutions.

This film about the industries that draw their wealth from the raw material supplied by Canada's forests shows how this wealth is being preserved by a long-term conservation program. Filmed in the rain forests of the British Columbia coast, it shows how giant conifers are felled, transported by water routes to sawmills, and cut into lumber or reduced to Canada's greatest single export, newsprint. Realization of the need for conservation has led to an extensive program of aerial stocktaking and a system of planned cutting and reforestation.