WHEREAS the rate of logging on the private forest lands within the E N Land Grant on Vancouver Island has been dramatically accelerated, such that the current logging practices exceed the objectives established by the Private Managed Forest Land Council of British Columbia; AND WHEREAS the current logging practices on these private forest lands are resulting in flooding of downstream lands, loss of spawning habitat, a reduction in water quality, and a reduction in the capacity of the land to sustain forestry operations for future generations; AND WHEREAS access to safe, potable water is necessary for sustainable community development and the Beaver Creek Improvement District has its only source of potable water in the Beaufort Range where this logging is taking place and it has, for the first time ever, issued boil water advisory alerts: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities petition the provincial government to change the legislation and policies to enable a local government to establish a Community Watershed Bylaw that extends over any public or private lands within the watershed.
Ministry of Agriculture Lands The Private Managed Forest Land Act Act establishes the Private Managed Forest Land Council Council which consists of Government of British Columbia Government and landowner-appointed members. Anyone, including representatives from municipalities, regional districts and First Nations, can apply to become a Government-appointed member through a competitive process. The Council regulates forest practices on private managed forest land to ensure public values, such as the protection of drinking water, are upheld. The Act and Regulations protect water values and require the retention of sufficient streamside vegetation to maintain water quality. The rate of harvest on private managed forest land is a function of the landowners business model, the availability of harvestable timber and the market for logs. Harvest rates are higher now than recent history due largely to the forests developing from an immature too small to harvest state into a mature state appropriate size for current markets. In addition, markets for the type and size of the private land timber have been strong stimulating the harvest. Neither the legislation nor the Council seeks to manage the rights of private land holders in respect of harvest rate, rather focus their attention on environmentally sound forest practices. The Council takes action to investigate complaints regarding these matters. The Council investigates all formal complaints filed about forest practices on private managed forest land and has the authority to take appropriate action following the outcome of an investigation. The Council recently investigated a complaint that harvesting in the Beaufort Range impacted the local water supply. The investigation found harvesting had no significant impact on the Beaver Creek water supply. Under the Drinking Water Protection Act, it is an offence to contaminate drinking water. Drinking water officers work throughout British Columbia to ensure risks to drinking water are minimized and can take legal action to protect drinking water. We encourage the UBCM membership to work with the Council to monitor the implementation of the Act and determine if there are any significant issues that need to be addressed. This Government is committed to maintaining drinking water supplies so that British Columbians can enjoy good health and the best possible quality of life. Never before in the history of our Province has legislation to protect drinking water for future generations been so strong. Since 2001, in partnership with the federal and local governments, over 600 million has been invested in water-related projects. Our goals for the Province include leading the way in North America in healthy living and leading the world in sustainable environmental management with the best air and water quality, bar none.