Forest Policy Decision Making: Community Engagement and Consultation Process
Explore the journey of community involvement in forest policy decision-making, delving into challenges, survey findings, and recommendations for action. Learn how stakeholders can work together to improve consultation processes and foster sustainable forest management practices.
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Presentation Transcript
Forestry Management: A Community Perspective Councillor Brian Frenkel, Vice Chair, Community Economic Development Committee, UBCM Association of Vancouver Island & Coastal Communities April 8, 2017
Presentation Overview Community Economic Development Committee (CED) - Forest Policy Forestry Survey on Consultation and Engagement - Dec 2015 March 2016 Province, Industry, Forest Association Outreach UBCM Pre-conference session Sept 2016 Recommendations for Action Communities and Old Growth A Way Forward: Next Steps Concluding Remarks
UBCM and Forest Policy Forestry falls within the mandate of CED Committee Minister s Advisory Council on Forest and Range Policy UBCM had been concerned that local gov ts were seen as just another stakeholder instead as a level of government Need for greater engagement and consultation Conducted a survey in December 2015; asked about consultation in advance of forestry decisions; and the impact on communities. Results: 85% of respondents felt that tenure holders did not adequately consult with them before making forestry decisions.
UBCM and Forest Policy UBCM presented survey findings to government, forest industry organizations, and other associations Forestry Policy Decision Making session held at UBCM in September 2016; over 200 attendees from 88 communities + reps from province, industry, etc. Round Table Discussion Question: What steps/actions can communities, industry and the Province take to improve consultation and engagement opportunities with respect to forest policy decision-making. Feedback consolidated and provided to CED Committee.
Forest Policy Decision Making Round Table Summary Recommendations for Action: 1. Support for the Establishment of Communication Protocols/Local Forest Advisory Committees 2. Develop a long-term provincial forest strategy 3. Restructure existing provincial bodies to include community/local government representation 4. Mandate sustainable forest management certification 5. Increase Enforcement and Monitoring Efforts
Who is Responsible for Taking Action We all are! Round Table Summary identifies specific actions for communities, Province and industry in order to implement the five recommendations UBCM continues to seek out opportunities to share our work in an effort to improve the engagement and consultation processes around forest policy decision-making
Who is Responsible for Taking Action-UBCM Outreach - presentations to Canadian Institute of Forestry, BC Truckloggers Association, Association of BC Professional Foresters and many others over the past year. PAC Table UBCM continues to press for local gov t recognition Area Associations encourage regional engagement with industry and forest districts
Who is Responsible for Taking Action- Communities Reach out to the forest industry in your community, engage, establish relationships, etc. Work with industry and the Province to better understand what the rules and regulations are. UBCM, Area Associations and individual communities need to seek out opportunities for local government representation on other forest related committees. Support efforts to mandate sustainable forest management certification Push for a long term forest strategy
Communities and Old Growth Competing demands on BC forests push our communities to the forefront of land base decision making. C27 Protection of Old Growth endorsed as amended: Therefore be it resolved that the old-growth forest on provincial Crown Land on Vancouver Island be protected from logging; And be it further resolved that UBCM send a letter to the provincial government Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations as well as relevant government organizations requesting that the Vancouver Island Land Use Plan be amended to protect all of Vancouver Island's remaining old growth forest on provincial Crown land.
A Way Forward: Next Steps Each Community s economy is different Competing Demands Potential land use conflicts Require better communication to avoid conflicts Improved relations Better decisions One size does not fit all Communities need to be involved, we know our communities and the impacts of decisions on our residents.
A Way Forward: Next Steps Advance the five Round Table recommendations Seek to establish better communication mechanisms that will provide for greater consultation between all parties Reduce the potential for conflict Continue to build relationships between all parties Establish partnerships Support amendments to policies and regulations that will ensure a greater role for local governments in forest policy decision-making making better decision-
Concluding Remarks Thank you for your support! Councillor Brian Frenkel bfrenkel@avison.ca UBCM website: www.ubcm.ca /Community Economic Development (survey report and round table summary report can be found on CED page) CED staff support: mcrawford@ubcm.ca
