Whereas the Province reviewed the Private Managed Forest Land PMFL Program in 2019 to inform the governments consideration of future policy options; And whereas local governments strongly indicated that key public environmental values in the Private Managed Forest Land Act are insufficient: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that the Province of British Columbia proceed with amendments to the management objectives and regulatory framework for Private Managed Forest Lands to better protect drinking water quality and riparian areas, and to require alternatives to slash pile burning where feasible to protect air quality.
Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development The intent of the Private Managed Forest Land PMFL Program is to encourage sound forest management practices on private forested land. Membership in the program is voluntary and requires commitments to manage for key public environmental values in exchange for a lower property assessment. The PMFL Program review, which began in May 2019, is currently in its second phase which will be the development of issue summaries and policy recommendations for governments consideration. With respect to considering amendments to the legislative framework for the PMFL Program, government appreciates the significant contribution from local governments through the submissions that have been received. These have been comprehensively considered in the development of all summary materials. Despite the provisions under the PMFL Act to allow for forestry activities under the program on private land, all landowners are still subject to most Regional District and municipal bylaws, as well as provincial and federal legislation, related to pollution of the environment, fire hazard abatement, safety, water quality, and wildlife habitat. A key part to the development of policy recommendations will be for government to find a balance between requirements established under the voluntary PMFL Program, and the broad legal requirements that apply universally to all landowners under other enactments. The ministry looks forward to completing the delivery of policy recommendations to Minister Katrine Conroy and further engagement with UBCM regarding possible amendments to the PMFL Program.