In British Columbia, the responsibility for managing karst resources in provincial forests lies with the Ministry of Forests. Under the Forest Practices Code, several provisions have been made for managing sensitive areas such as karst. The Code requires identified sensitive areas to be treated in a way that protects or conserves special resource values. To accommodate some of the unique requirements of managing karst, the ministry is developing interim karst management guidelines that will provide direction on managing forestry and recreational activities in karst landscapes. (Photo by D. Herchmer.)

The guidelines will address road construction and maintenance, timber harvesting, reforestation, and stand tending practices, as well as recreation issues such as site and trail selection, access, and commercial opportunities. Options for suitable activities and management objectives, including preservation, will be included in the guidelines.

Once completed, the interim karst management guidelines will be field tested and revised as necessary. The final guidelines, once approved, will be integrated with existing regional cave management guidelines and incorporated into a comprehensive Forest Practices guidebook addressing all aspects of karst and cave management.

To facilitate this process, the ministry is developing educational programs on karst management to raise the awareness of karst issues to Forest Service staff, the forest industry, and the public.