Whereas the current forest ecosystem contains significant unnatural old growth forest, excluding Interior Cedar Hemlock and Coastal Rainforest, and experiences damage from devastating wildfires and insect epidemics; And whereas the biodiversity and sustainability of forests in British Columbia is at risk, impacting human and wildlife health, ecosystem health, and the economy of the forest sector: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the Province of BC, in conjunction with Indigenous Nations, to modernize forest management policies and regulations, update biodiversity targets, and promote environmental stewardship, which are key in creating healthy forests, reducing fire hazards, and protecting community safety and critical infrastructure; And be it further resolved that UBCM request the Province of BC to support education on the value of reintroducing fire plan strategies to responsibly manage fuel sources as a healthy way to maintain the forest, ungulate, bird, and amphibian populations, and protect community safety and infrastructure.
