Whereas the Province, in compliance with the federal Species at Risk Act, is currently in the process of developing implementation plans for the conservation and regeneration of woodland caribou in BC; And whereas such plans, by restricting the harvesting of timber in specified areas can have a significant negative impact on forest industry investment operations, and local economies: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that the provincial government immediately commit to meaningful consultation with local governments potentially affected by woodland caribou implementation plans, such consultation to involve thorough investigation and consideration of socio-economic impacts.
Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations Rural Development The Province conducts a socio-economic assessment to inform decisions on all species-at-risk implementation plans. As part of the Provincial Caribou Recovery Program, the province has committed to an expanded effort to engage Indigenous people, communities and stakeholders in caribou recovery efforts. Under that expanded program, the province has initiated a socio economic assessment of the draft Boreal Caribou Implementation Plan. For other recovery plans, a socio economic impact assessment will be standard where caribou habitat recovery has the potential for significant economic impacts.