The BC FOREST INDUSTRY has been and will continue to be a key driver of the provincial economy and a significant contributor to government revenue at all levels. 60% of BC (55 million hectares) is forested less than 3% of original forest converted to human use More than half of BC’s forested area has had little or no human disturbance BC has 7. 6 million hectares or 14% of BC’s forests in protected areas 13% of all forests in protected areas are 141 -250 years old B. C. is home to less than one percent of the world’s boreal forest B. C. has more than 40 different species of native trees B. C. is Canada’s most ecologically diverse province, with temperate rainforests, dry pine forests, alpine meadows, and more B. C. is Canada’s most biologically diverse province; it is home to more than half of the country’s wildlife and fish species THE FISHERY INDUSTRY of B. C. is a complex industry, as it’s composed of numerous sectors and subdivisions. The industry is composed of four sectors which are, commercial fishing, aquaculture, sport fishing and seafood processing. Aquaculture is a significant contributor to the provincial economy, and most aquaculture jobs are located in coastal communities. With its mild climate, good water quality and bays, British Columbia's coastline is well suited for both finfish and shellfish. Farmed salmon is B. C. 's largest agricultural export product. There are more than 20, 000 km/12, 000 mi of coastlines, 25, 000 lakes and tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams here.
British Columbia's MINING and mineral exploration industry has a rich history and a promising future. B. C. has been one of the world's major mining regions since the mid-1800 s and to this day is a key international player. Encompassing the largest part of the Canadian Cordillera, a mountain belt rich in minerals and coal, B. C. produces and exports a significant amount of copper, gold, silver, lead, zinc, molybdenum, coal and industrial minerals every year.
