Whereas over the past two decades multiple local governments of British Columbia have repeatedly requested regulation of private land logging by resolution to UBCM; And whereas there has been little change in the requirement to conserve our natural physical assets such as water, wildlife habitat, and soil stability when harvesting trees and building roads on large tracts of private land; Therefore be it resolved that UBCM prioritize and work with the Ministry of Forest, Lands, Natural Resources and Rural Development to resolve the issues surrounding logging on large parcels of private land in BC when volumes to be harvested are over 600 cubic meters; And be it further resolved that the province change legislation to allow regional districts to implement tree cutting bylaws.
Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development is working on Phase 2 of the Private Managed Forest Land program review. Phase 2 will build on the completed public engagement to consolidate that feedback into recommendations to address public concerns with the Private Managed Forest Land Program. The Government has not yet indicated if changes with respect to the Private Managed Forest Land Act could be on their legislative agenda for this year. However, we have begun reengaging with the major stakeholders to continue discussions around legislative options and we will table an intentions paper with the Minister this year. The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development looks forward to continued dialogue with UBCM, and with the individual member local governments, including the Islands Trust, that are most affected by forestry activities on private land. Ministry of Municipal Affairs The Province recognizes that the authority for regulation of forestry activities on private lands is longstanding and complex. Historically, when the authority with respect to tree cutting was provided to municipalities, specific review and consideration was given to the decision to ultimately not extend the authority to regional districts as the rationale for the municipal authority is primarily aimed at trees in urban settings. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs staff will consider the issue for inclusion in future policy work. The scope of this request is quite significant; as with any requested legislative changes the ministry seeks to understand the full range of implications, including climate change considerations and consistency around forestry practices on private land within the province. It would also require consultations with First Nations, regional districts, and a number of stakeholders, including private landowners to take into consideration the various interests among all those affected by the changes.