WHEREAS many community water systems have watersheds in private managed forest lands; AND WHEREAS owners of private managed forests are required under legislation to protect human drinking water; AND WHEREAS there is no mechanism for public oversight of forestry operations on such land: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that, in the interest of protecting human drinking water, the provincial government establish an open and transparent mechanism for regular inspection and monitoring of forestry operations on private land where such operations occur in watersheds of community water systems.
Ministry of Agriculture Lands Government is aware of the importance of protecting human drinking water. Safe drinking water is key to the health of our communities and the day to day lives of British Columbians. For example, under the Drinking Water Protection Act, it is an offence to contaminate drinking water. Drinking water officers throughout the Province also work with other decision makers to ensure that risks to drinking water are minimized. These officers can take legal action to protect drinking water. Our goals for the golden decade include leading the way in North America in healthy living, and leading the world in sustainable environmental management with the best air and water quality, bar none. The Private Managed Forest Land Council PMFLC is charged under the Private Managed Forest Land Act the Act with maintaining appropriate regulations pertaining to forest practice standards on private land. The UBCM membership is encouraged to work with the PMFLC to monitor the implementation of the Act and determine if there are any significant issues that need to be addressed.