Whereas many forest policy and management decisions do not include a formal role for local government; And whereas it is the forest dependent communities in closest proximity to the resources that have the strongest interest in how local resources are managed: Therefore be it resolved that the Government of British Columbia adopt policies to ensure that communities and local governments have a direct, legally defined, and effective role in all major decisions about management and utilization of local forest resources.
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations appreciates the importance of forestry decisions and their impact on communities throughout British Columbia. Ministry staff participated in the UBCM session Forest Policy Decision-Making during the 2016 UBCM Convention in order to get a better understanding of communities concerns and look for ways to improve engagement. The Ministry is taking steps to explore further community engagement in forestry decision-making. Opportunities currently exist for communities, First Nations and stakeholders to engage in discussions about forestry decisions related to: allowable annual cut, new or replacement forest tenure opportunities that are available to communities, and the planning of forestry operations primarily forest stewardship plans, and proposed cutblocks and roads. The Ministry encourages communities to work with local district managers and forest companies to discuss their specific interests in local forestry decisions.