Opening day two of the annual meeting of BC’s Forest Professionals, Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, provided an update on his government’s most recent forest policy initiatives.

Prior to Mr. Donaldson taking the podium, Chief Dr. Ronald Ignace of the Skeetchestn Indian Band welcomed the delegates to his traditional territory, ardently challenging the attending foresters to combine western and traditional forest management knowledge for the betterment of the forest. Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian’s welcome included commentary on the importance of professional leadership in bringing science to the forefront when addressing the issue of import to his and other forest-based communities.

In his presentation, Minister Donaldson touched on recent actions taken as a result of the Abbott-Chapman report on BC’s unprecedented 2017 wildfire and flood seasons. This includes expanding the eligible criteria for funding for FireSmart activities in eligible communities; $10 million in new funding to incentivise the increased extraction and use of residual forest fibre, the completion of the blue ribbon review of BC’s forest inventory program in the wake of beetle and fire epidemics; and the pending coastal forest policy reforms to restrict log exports, increase local processing of BC logs and reduce wood waste. Key points of note:

• The recovered wood from increased utilization will be used for pulp, wood pellets, hog fuel for bio-energy and low-grade timber products;
• Inventory recommendations speak to the need for increased funding, a more strategic focus and prompt updating of all inventory maps;
• The critically important Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA) changes will be phased in through 2020, starting with enabling legislation and followed by regulation details next year;
• Several of the coast policy reforms (e.g., elevated utilization, increased BCTS sales and greater planning and public involvement requirements in FRPA), will be expanded province-wide starting in the Spring. 

In response to a question from the convention floor on professional reliance and the Professional Governance Act, Donaldson suggested the legislation—led by the Ministry of Environment—is effectively done. He emphasized its important role in enabling and building momentum for the pending FRPA changes, with the ultimate aim of earning the public’s trust and reinvigorating our collective social contract.

Check back on Monday for conference highlights on: adaptation for climate change; water woes and road infrastructure; wildfire aftermath, youth education and women in forestry; professional reliance legislation, First Nations reconciliation, industry competitiveness and managing the land to step the decline of the Mountain Caribou.

We will also have an extensive collection of images from the Inductees Lunch, Awards Banquet, social events and more. Here is a teaser selection below!