BC announces revamped forest policy to put government 'back in the driver’s seat’

BC has announced new legislation in relation to the forest industry in the province.

Amendments to the Forest and Range Practices Act were introduced today by Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forests in order to “help preserve old growth and support smarter management of forests.”

Proposed changes will come into effect by regulation expected over the next year.

Conroy explained that the biggest change made to the Forestry Act has to do with forest landscape plans.

The plans will be developed in collaboration with First Nations, and will look at the health of the area. Conroy said that right now, sustainability plans are done by companies, sometimes in collaboration with the government, but sometimes not.

First Nations, communities and the public will have more opportunities to view and comment on forest-sector harvesting plans, increasing public trust and participation in forest management decisions.

The Province said that the changes will also improve efforts to mitigate against climate change by allowing the chief forester to set stocking standards for replanting and reduce wildfire risk by creating wildland buffers between communities and forests.

Conroy noted that the changes announced today will bring the Forestry Act into the 21st century, and will put the government and First Nations communities “back in the driver’s seat.”

“Forestry policies – put in place two decades ago – have limited our ability to fight climate change, protect old growth forests and share the benefits with Indigenous and local communities,” Conroy said. “By increasing public control between government and First Nations, we’re committed to smarter management of our forests that prioritizes public benefits and engagement now and into the future.”

Conroy also said that as it is now, the Province has no control over where forest roads are put or how they are maintained. With these new changes, companies will have to explain where roads will be and how they will be taken care of.

When asked how industry workers have responded to the changes, Conroy said that some have been supportive and some have not.

The announcement came with a promise that work is continuing toward transferring tenures to First Nations, as well as addressing other old growth concerns.

“The current Forest and Range Practices Act and forest stewardship plans leave little room for Indigenous input. The improvements to the act are a step in the right direction toward meaningful government-to-government engagement,” said ?Esdilagh First Nation Chief Troy Baptiste.

“?Esdilagh First Nation is committed to the continuance of the forest landscape planning process within the Quesnel Timber Supply Area for the protection of the biodiversity of the land. We have looked forward to the day when a collaboration would begin between Indigenous communities and the Province of British Columbia for the care of the forests. A day when traditional land knowledge and modern forest practices come together to ensure the health of the land for future generations.”