WHEREAS agriculture production in the Fraser Valley is vital to the local economy and to the provinces food supply; AND WHEREAS there has been a significant level of concern expressed by the farming community, local government, and landowners in the Fraser Valley about the potential for local Species at Risk Act recovery planning to significantly reduce the amount of land base available for agricultural production in this region and to further challenge farmers abilities to clean and maintain drainage ditches on their property concerns which have not been adequately addressed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada during recent public consultation processes: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM urge the federal government to conduct meaningful and respectful consultation with local government and the agricultural community on current and subsequent Species at Risk Act recovery planning that will not only address the concerns but will also contribute to finding a more balanced approach towards conservation that meets the needs of both the community and species-at-risk.
Environment Canada My officials are aware of the challenges of balancing the protection and recovery of species at risk and their habitats with other land uses important to Canadians. The Lower Fraser Valley is one of the most challenging landscapes in which to achieve balanced outcomes. Some aquatic and terrestrial species at risk are found only in this small and unique region of Canada. Environment Canada officials are working with colleagues from Fisheries Oceans Canada, Parks Canada, and the Government of British Columbia to achieve and maintain the biodiversity values of this area in the context of sustainable economic growth. They also work closely with other federal and provincial departments and municipal governments to promote good conservation planning and compliance, as well as to provide useful tools for land-use and economic planning professionals. Fisheries Oceans Canada I understand your concern that the Species at Risk Act recovery planning may affect agricultural production in the Fraser Valley. There is no intention to prevent the agricultural community from continuing their important contribution to the Canadian economy. I would like to assure you that the measures being considered do not involve reduction in the land available for agricultural activities. As you are aware, DFO officials have met on many occasions with land owners in the Fraser Valley to discuss their concerns and explain the requirements of the Species at Risk Act. DFO officials have also been working closely with the British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and the British Columbia Federation of Agriculture in an effort to collaborate with the agricultural community in achieving species conservation, which the law requires of the Department. A number of decisions by the Federal Courts have underscored the legal obligation that I have to identify and protect the critical habitat of species at risk. I believe that the agricultural community can make an important contribution to the survival and recovery of many species at risk, and that it is possible to do so while continuing to farm. DFO officials have informed me that the proposed measures for protecting the critical habitat of the Nooksack dace and the Salish sucker in the Fraser Valley involve the maintenance of existing riparian vegetation, which will not affect the area of land being farmed at present.
FCM Category D resolution - in accordance with FCM policy. Fraser Valley Regional District submitted this resolution to FCM in 2011 and it was adopted by the FCM Board at the September 2011 meeting.