(By BC Ministry of Forests and Range staff)
This report on the state of British Columbia’s forests is designed to inform both general and technical readers about our forests from a particular viewpoint – that of sustainability.
As chief forester, it is my role to advise government and inform the public on sustainable forest management. Currently, many sources provide factual information on parts of this complex topic, however few if any provide an overview that is both accessible and comprehensive. In addition to providing factual information, this report presents assessments of sustainability by Ministry of Forests and Range staff.
I hope that both the facts and the assessments will encourage informed, constructive discussion. A periodic review of our forests, including environmental, economic, social and governance aspects, can show us how far we’ve come and help us decide where future actions would be desirable.
New pressures such as climate change and the mountain pine beetle epidemic affect all aspects of our forests and therefore require holistic responses. One example, begun in 2005, is the Future Forest Ecosystems of British Columbia initiative, which aims to maintain and enhance the resilience of the province's forest ecosystems.
This report presents 24 indicators based on international and national frameworks of indicators for assessing sustainable forest management. It emphasizes issues important to British Columbia. The six indicators published in the 2004 edition are repeated, four of them with changes and updated data. New, detailed information is provided for six additional indicators. Overviews are provided for the remaining 12 indicators that will be fully developed in future editions of the report.
Your feedback on this report’s approach, format and level of information is welcomed and will help us improve subsequent editions.
With two-thirds of British Columbia covered by forests, British Columbians have a real stake in, and many opportunities to contribute to, sustainable forest management. Using the best science-based information available to make informed decisions, we can ensure that the forests of British Columbia continue to provide their many benefits to future generations.
Jim Snetsinger, RPF
Chief Forester
Ministry of Forests and Range
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