Local governments are invited to attend a virtual session on old growth on April 13. 9:00 am – 12:30 pm. Hosted by UBCM, in cooperation with the Province, the session will focus on the Province’s approach to implementing the Old Growth Strategic Review recommendations. Local government participants will have an opportunity to share their feedback on both the process and its impacts on communities.
Interested local governments are asked to register in advance to participate in this session.
Members will recall on February 15, UBCM expressed concerns about the lack of local government engagement on the process and steps taken to advance the OGSR recommendations. UBCM noted that the process currently being undertaken by the Province, in partnership with First Nations, would result in the co-development of a declaration on ecosystem health and biodiversity as well as an action plan. This new, holistic approach to protecting old-growth forests will result in a paradigm shift in how forests, water and lands in BC are managed. Recognizing that this new approach will have significant impacts on many BC communities, UBCM asked the Province to engage specifically with local governments. The proposed April 13 session provides that engagement opportunity for local governments.
The Province has also organized a number of regional stakeholder sessions that local governments are invited to attend. UBCM members can contact the Old Growth Secretariat for further information on the dates and locations for these regional stakeholder sessions.