BC Government launches public engagement towards strengthening the Great Bear Rainforest

Protecting one of the North and Central Coasts most pristine areas while also supporting a sustainable forestry is the goal for a new initiative for the British Columbia government and its partners in the area of the Great Bear Rainforest.

Towards their work, the Government today has launched a consultation process one which Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forests notes will preserve the area which spans some 6.4 million hectares for future generations.

“Containing one-quarter of the coastal temperate rainforests in the world, the Great Bear Rainforest is a global treasure. All British Columbians have a stake in preserving it for future generations. By working together, we can strengthen protections in the Great Bear Rainforest for wildlife habitat and biodiversity and ensure First Nations are full partners in sustainable forest management.”

The province has been working with First Nations on a government to government process to complete a five year review of implementation of an eco-system based management of the Great Bear Rainforest and for Josie Osborne, the Minister of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship that partnership is part of the ongoing process of collaboration on management.

“The Great Bear Rainforest is recognized worldwide for its co-management approach, with First Nations working in partnership with the Province and industry to steward ecosystem health and provide economic opportunities for communities. These innovative partnerships demonstrate what can be achieved together, and we are committed not only to strengthening the Great Bear Rainforest, but also to building on its success in collaborative stewardship throughout British Columbia.”

As part of the consultation now underway, the engagement will cover four themes during its sixty day period for participation.

First Nations: Increased oversight of forest planning and harvest activity by First Nations and stronger protection and stewardship of Indigenous cultural heritage and use of forest resources. 

Aquatic habitat: Strengthened requirements for protection of important fisheries watersheds, maintenance of watershed health and stewardship of fish-bearing rivers and streams and other important aquatic habitats and riparian forests. 

Biodiversity: An improved landscape reserve design (LRD) process that will enable First Nations to take a stronger role in developing LRDs and expedite the protection of important forest values, including rare and at-risk old growth. LRDs map and protect the old growth targets in the GBRLUO plan area and consider a wide range of cultural and ecological values in directing where logging can occur. 

Wildlife: Increased requirements for the protection and stewardship of habitat for regionally important wildlife, particularly grizzly bears and black bears, and including Kermode (spirit) bears.

North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice, who represents many of the communities that are on the edge of the Great Bear Rainforest made mention of the government's initiative today through her social media feed.

For those looking to participate, the starting point is Engagement Opportunities page which provides the full background to the process ahead and how you can share your thoughts.
 

More on the Great Bear Rainforest can be explored here.

Further notes from the BC Legislature can be found on our archive page.