Framework for Shaping Our Future Forests OVERVIEW Provincial Leadership Forum Policy Workshop Presentation November 19, 2008
Lacking a strategic approach to the forest estate. CONTEXT In the past couple of decades, we have seen: Widespread policy changes New legislative regimes (Code, FRPA) Economic cycles, market pressures Myriad strategic land use planning approaches (RLUP, LRMP) Lacking a strategic approach to the forest estate.
EXPLORING THE FEP CONCEPT Some initiatives (pilots) have explored the concept of Forest Estate Planning: TFL Management Plans Innovative Forest Practices Agreements Results-Based Code: Fort St. John Pilot Future Forest Strategies Sustainable Forest Management Plans
FOREST MANAGEMENT ISSUES Many unknowns, uncertainties, and challenges: Climate change Forest health (MPB and others) Projected fall down in harvest in the mid-term Managing for carbon & other values Competing resource uses Bottom line – significant pressures on the timber harvesting land base
INTENT… Develop and implement a provincial framework that: Provides guidance for a more diversified & resilient sustainable timber supply Brings together stakeholders Fills a gap between higher-level & operational plans Facilitates professional reliance Guides forest investments
DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS Work to date suggests a successful forest estate plan should: Be forward looking Be collaborative (govt/industry) Address a defined area Involve First Nations Involve the public It should be linked to: Higher-level plans, strategies Timber Supply Review Inventory FREP
DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS A successful forest estate plan should also: Address innovation, policy Guide investment Facilitate third-party certification Have a spatial component Include a way to measure success Criteria and indictors Targets
MAYBE AVOID SURPISES
Seek your advice and recommendations on whether SESSION OBJECTIVE Seek your advice and recommendations on whether to design a Forest Estate Planning framework, or not.
THOUGHTS… Do you think a Forest Estate Plan would be a beneficial addition to our planning framework? What are the risks of not moving ahead? If we move ahead, what key elements must we consider and incorporate to be successful?