De-Centralizing Forest Management

Whereas the forest sector in British Columbia is in crisis with thousands out of work and facing hardship; forestry companies closing mills, curtailing operations and redirecting investment outside of the province; and once thriving rural communities experiencing severe economic decline; And whereas many communities across British Columbia and globally have demonstrated that when local people are empowered to manage public forests and other resources through community forest licences, regional trusts and other community-based governance models, they can enhance environmental sustainability, provide stable and fulfilling employment, and improve equity and fairness: Therefore be it resolved that AVICC call on the Province of British Columbia to move to establish a de-centralized forest management model for the region of Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast, Powell River, the North Coast and the Central Coast Vancouver Island and the Coast, and, as a first step, appoint a Forester General for the region who will undertake the following actions: - Consult with local communities, workers, businesses, First Nations and the broader public on current challenges with the forest sector; - Carry out an analysis of the opportunities to increase employment and value-add, restrict raw log exports, improve environmental sustainability, and advance reconciliation with First Nations; - Develop a regional land use plan for Vancouver Island and the Coast based on citizen input; and - Recommend next steps for empowering Vancouver Island and the Coast in the management of forestry and related resources, including potentially establishing a Regional Standing Committee of the BC Legislature composed of the MLAs for Vancouver Island and the Coast.