         
The BC Market Outreach Network delivers facts about B.C.'s sustainable forest management on behalf of B.C.'s government, industry and communities.
Visit our Web site at www.bcforestinformation.com to learn more about B.C. forests and how the province has become a world leader in forest management. Suite 1200 1130 West Pender Street Vancouver BC Canada V6E 4A4 Tel:(604) 685-7507 Fax:(604)685-5373 E-mail: info@bcmon.ca  |
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   The Forest Practices Board, B.C.'s forestry watchdog, carries out random, independent audits to ensure that forest operations comply with forest practices legislation, and issues public reports on the results. Its 2002 annual report shows that on-the-ground forest practices continue to improve in B.C.'s public forests. Since it was created in 1995, the board has conducted more than 30 audits and investigations related to forest operations in the coast region, looking at everything from harvest practices and road construction, to planning and public notification.  The breath-taking beauty of B.C.'s coastal forests and the unparalleled recreational opportunities they offer make forest management especially challenging. It is a challenge the B.C. government has met by inviting all stakeholders to take an active role in land use and resource planning. Measures such as community-based resource planning, partnerships with First Nations, comprehensive timber supply reviews, tough forest laws and enforcement and wildlife habitat protection ensure that B.C.'s amazing forest diversity on the coast is managed today to conserve all forest values for the future.   B.C. releases policies and procedures to double its protected areas by 2000. B.C. protects 48,500 hectares (almost 120,000 acres) in Clayoquot Sound, including 78 kilometres (48.5 miles) of outer coastline.  B.C. establishes the Forest Practices Code to ensure sustainable use of forested lands and watersheds. B.C. protects the Kitlope Valley, the world's largest intact coastal temperate rainforest, and Khutzeymateen Valley, Canada's only grizzly bear sanctuary.  B.C. establishes the Forest Practices Board, an independent forest watchdog. B.C. protects 106 areas as Class A provincial parks. |
  B.C.'s Central Coast land and resource management planning process begins, involving more than 60 stakeholders from all levels of government, First Nations, industry, environmental groups and outdoors groups.  Weyerhaeuser's North Island Division becomes the first operation in Canada to be certified to the CSA's sustainable forest management standard.  B.C. reaches and surpasses its goal of 12 per cent protected status with approval of the Cassiar Iskut-Stikine and Mackenzie land and resource management plans. UNESCO designates Clayoquot Sound as an international biosphere reserve, the first such designation for B.C.  The coast region's total allowable annual cut drops to 20.1 million cubic metres from the peak of 27.8 in 1980. Forest companies, conservation groups, First Nations and community representatives agree on a framework for conservation, ecosystem based management and community transition in the Central Coast Region. Iisaak Forest Resources in Clayoquot Sound becomes the first Tree Farm Licence in B.C. to be certified to FSC standards. The first phase of the Central Coast Land and Resource Management Plan concludes.  B.C. introduces the forest and Range Practices Act, which will maintain high environmental standards and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of forest regulations. B.C. plants its 5 billionth tree; 200 million seedlings are planted in the province every year including 23 million in the coast region. B.C.'s compliance and enforcement inspectors find forest practices compliance rates of more than 98 per cent. Canada's wildlife ministers approve a stewardship agenda that encourages Canadians to work together in a landscape approach to protect habitat, contribute to the recovery of species and conserve Canada's natural heritage. B.C. establishes protection and option areas on the Central Coast to prevent forestry, mining and hydroelectric activities until the land use planning process is completed.  Canada proclaims its Species at Risk Act. B.C. and the Haida Nation sign framework agreement to comanage land use planning on Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands. B.C. extends logging prohibition on 1 million hectares (2.5 million acres) on the Central Coast to June 30, 2004. The number of wildlife habitat areas put aside to protect the habitat of marbled murrelet reaches 34. Vancouver-Whistler is awarded the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The forest Practices Board's 2002 annual report shows that on- the-ground forest practices continue to improve in B.C.'s public forests.  Central Coast land and resource management planning to be completed once government-to-government discussions with First Nations conclude.  Forest and Range Practices Act to take effect. |
