A Conversation on BC Forests

In a changing world, it is a challenge for resource managers to know if today’s policies and regulations are resulting in sustainable forest use * – for industry, communities, families and future generations. Through consultation and dialogue with natural resource experts and local communities (including members of the forestry profession, Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals), the Healthy Forests-Healthy Communities initiative aims to inform decision-makers about the people’s vision for the forest lands of British Columbia, identifying areas for improving long-term sustainable management to achieve expressed goals.

Scientific data and public opinion captured through the initiative will provide vital information for responding to climate change, supporting the economy, enhancing community resilience, and creating lasting natural resource policies for forest lands management in the province.

Informed decision-making will ensure healthy forests and healthy communities for a brighter BC future.

* Sustainable forest management: It is the stewardship and use of forests and forest lands in a way, and at a rate, that maintains their biological diversity, productivity, regeneration capacity, vitality and their potential to fulfill, now and in the future, productivity, regeneration capacity, vitality and their potential to fulfill, now and in the future, relevant ecological, economic and social functions, at local, national and global levels, and that does not cause damage to other ecosystems. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (Canadian Institute of Forestry’s The Forestry Chronicle Vol 70 (6): 666-674)