Whereas the Province of British Columbia needs to review its policy for backcountry closures during periods of extreme wildfire risk; And whereas Regional Districts have no ability to mitigate the considerable risks associated with Crown land hazards nor respond to emergencies on Crown land under the Regional District service area model; And whereas Regional District electoral area lands have the largest Crown to community exposure to these hazard areas: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the Province to aggressively pursue strategic proactive messaging strategies about restricting access to vulnerable areas during periods of extreme wildfire risk to mitigate human-caused wildfires on Crown land; And be it further resolved that UBCM request the Province to update their policy for backcountry closures to ensure proactive closures are a priority during periods of wildfire risk and in advance of conditions reaching unacceptable risk levels and include a process that ensures access by First Nations who use forest service roads to travel to and from their residences and territorial areas, as well as businesses who require access to Crown land.
