British Columbia Introduces New Forestry Legislation

British Columbia is replacing its Forest Practices Code with new legislation that will deliver the same high level of environmental protection in a more efficient and effective manner.

British Columbia today introduced legislation to make forest practices more efficient and effective while maintaining environmental standards.

The new Forest Practices Code represents a shift from government micro-management to a smarter system of forest management that is more in keeping with current circumstances. Government will determine the specific standards and rules that forest companies must meet to conserve biodiversity, old growth, wildlife habitat and other values. Forest companies will have more flexibility in deciding how best to achieve government requirements. To ensure companies meet their environmental commitments, government enforcement will continue to conduct about 50,000 inspections a year, with higher penalties for non-compliance. In addition, the independent Forest Practices Board will continue to audit and report on companies compliance.

The new Code emphasizes environmental protection, science-based management, public involvement and open reporting. Code changes are being designed to maintain or strengthen environmental protection, with new flexibility to accommodate certification requirements and local interests. Resource professionals will have more opportunity to use their expertise in developing strategies to meet government requirements and address public comments. An independent panel of experts will help develop a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the Codes effectiveness, with regular public reports and options for continual improvement. Public input has been incorporated into the Code, and a new public advisory committee will help ensure that the Code continues to reflect the interests of British Columbians.

The new Code will come into effect in spring 2003, and be implemented over a two-year period.

For more information, see www.for.gov.bc.ca/code