Whereas: -The preservation and management of old growth forests is clearly an important issue; -Currently, there are a number of plans to manage and preserve old growth forests that include parks, old growth management areas and areas identified as critical habitat; -Industry continues to harvest old growth forests and many communities depend on the economy generated from forestsfrom harvesting and other forest uses; -First Nations have many forestry interests and concerns in their traditional territories; and -A balance between healthy forests and healthy communities is essential and achievable; And whereas a broad-based advisory group could help formulate a coordinated strategy with respect to the management and preservation of old growth forests: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM support the formation of an advisory committee focused on the management and preservation of old growth forests, and that this advisory group consist of First Nations groups, local government representatives from forest communities, industry, and environmental representation.
Second Response: Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations Rural Development The Province appreciates the suggestion to ensure that there are opportunities for local governments, First Nations, other interested groups, and the public to provide advice on old-growth management on Vancouver Island. We also recognize that there may be a difference of views between communities who look to increased preservation of old-growth forests for tourism opportunities and communities more economically dependent on forestry. The provincial government is committed to working with First Nations and communities to modernize land use planning and to sustainably manage British Columbias ecosystems, rivers, lakes, watersheds and forests. The old-growth forest management initiatives currently under way are the necessary first steps toward identifying options and opportunities for improving old-growth management. The province will reach out to local governments, First Nations and stakeholders on any new initiatives regarding old-growth management. Recent examples include engagement on the amendments to the Land Use Order that increases protection of the Coastal Douglas-fir ecosystem, as well as the additional wildlife habitat areas established for marbled murrelets on Vancouver Island. Initial Response in early 2018: Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations Rural Development The Province supports UBCM forming an advisory committee to provide advice on how to manage old growth forests on Vancouver Island. Local government representatives should be from Vancouver Island communities. The Province recognizes there is a difference of views between communities who look to increased preservation of old growth forests for tourism opportunities, and those communities who are more economically dependent on forestry. Of the 1.9 million hectares of Crown forest on Vancouver Island, 840,125 hectares are considered old-growthand 520,000 hectares will never be logged.