WHEREAS the long-planned expansion of the woodlot program has been suspended by the Ministry of Forests and Range for an indefinite period; AND WHEREAS Comox-Strathcona Regional District recognizes woodlot licences as effective tools for community-based forest stewardship: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities encourage the Minister of Forests and Range to give priority effort to resolving any administrative obstacles that might be inhibiting expansion of the woodlot program.
MINISTRY OF FORESTS AND RANGE A new woodlot pricing system is being developed in cooperation with the Federation of B.C. Woodlot Associations Federation. We hope it will be in place soon. The new system will change woodlot operating conditions and economic models it makes sense to expand the program once that new system is in place. In the interim the volume is being sold in other programs. Woodlots are a small but important part of British Columbias forest sector. We remain committed to working with the Federation to explore market based options for improving the economics of small tenure holders.