Whereas current wildfire trends in British Columbia, being driven by the effects of climate change and the devastating and lasting effects of the mountain pine beetle, show increasing impacts to timber values from unwanted wildfires and associated suppression costs, an increased threat to infrastructure and communities and increased losses of natural resources; including mid-term timber supply; And whereas the Province of British Columbia introduced the Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative SWPI in 2004 which resulted in the cost, responsibility and expertise of wildfire mitigation on Crown land, areas surrounding local governments and land inside local government boundaries, being shifted onto local governments which is creating significant additional pressure on local government finances and staff resources: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial and federal governments to discontinue downloading wildfire mitigation costs and responsibilities onto local governments and First Nations through the SWPI program and take responsibility for wildfire mitigation costs on Crown land and areas surrounding local governments.
Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development The Province introduced the Community Resiliency Investment CRI program in September 2018. This program is intended to reduce wildfire risks and wildfire impacts in British Columbia communities by providing funding and support to complete FireSmart initiatives, including priority fuel management activities on provincial Crown land and on private land. The CRI program aligns with Forest Enhancement Society of B.C. FESBC funding opportunities. FESBC is partnering with the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, the First Nations Emergency Services Society of B.C. and the ministry to streamline risk reduction activities. In 2018, the Forest Enhancement Society of B.C. awarded 134 million for 71 projects that helped support communities, reduce wildfire risks, protect wildlife and address the effects of climate change. This work helps restore damaged forests and ecosystems, and it supports workers and communities that rely on forestry. B.C. FireSmart Committee is leading a review of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan process, including how a plan is developed and implemented, and how it can complement existing land use and community plans. The committee includes the BC Wildfire Service, the Office of the Fire Commissioner, the Union of B.C. Municipalities, the Fire Chiefs Association of B.C., Emergency Management BC, the Forest Enhancement Society of B.C. FESBC and the First Nations Emergency Services Society.