Whereas access to back country is an essential part of maintaining a healthy active community, particularly for rural and remote communities; And whereas the decline of forest harvesting activities throughout the province has resulted in the closure of forest service roads and decommissioning of bridges, preventing access to back country areas, which stops tourism, industrial activities such as mining, fighting forest fires: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM strongly advocate to the provincial government that local government be fully consulted and actively engaged in decision-making processes prior to any ministry action regarding the closure of forest service roads, and that collaborative solutions be developed to maintain access through reasonable and practical alternatives.
Ministry of Forests The Ministry of Forests FOR acknowledges the importance of forest service roads FSRs to accessing back-country areas around rural and remote communities and appreciates local government interests to be engaged prior to ministry action regarding FSR closures. FOR also shares local government interests in collaborative, reasonable and practical solutions for maintaining access. FOR has an extensive FSR network which is managed in accordance with provincial policies and legislation, including a Roads Funding Policy which outlines how FSR maintenance is prioritized provincially. Decisions to remove access are never taken lightly; however, road closures and deactivations must be considered when deteriorating road and bridge infrastructure present risks to public safety or the environment, and where these risks cannot be addressed within the available funding. FOR is committed to improving communication with local governments regarding potential decisions to close FSRs. This includes exploring options for maintaining access, informed by an understanding of local concerns and priorities.