Whereas log debris is a significant and repeated cause of damage to coastlines, natural assets, and waterfront infrastructure and piers, and poses a risk to public accessibility and safety of waterfront areas; And whereas log accumulation on coastlines is increasing due to more frequent storm events in winter and log removal is cost-prohibitive for local governments to individually and proactively address on a continuous basis: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the Province to: 1 Establish an inter-agency working group to investigate sources of log debris within the Strait of Georgia and Howe Sound; and 2 Determine a collective funding source for the removal of log debris from coastlines to minimize ongoing damage and repair costs for individual local governments.
Ministry of Forests Current government funding is focused on preventative measures provided by the Fraser River debris trap. Government does provide mechanisms for individuals andor organisations that want to remove log debris as a business or as a public service. The Ministry of Forests can issue marine log salvage beachcombing licences to recover floating logs or logs cast up on shorelines. Nominal fee Land Act licences are available for groups that wish to manage shoreline log debris accumulations to improve public access to shorelines. There is often no direct responsibility for the Ministry to address the matter as the debris can be from numerous sources other than industrial forestry. Currently there are no funds available for clean-up and removal of log debris. Further discussion is required to determine the role the province may take if participating in a log debris working group.