Determining the allowable annual cuts for Crown forest lands in British Columbia is the responsibility of the province’s chief forester. It is one of the chief forester’s most important responsibilities since it affects the local and provincial economy and environment — now and in the future. Section 7 of the Forest Act requires the chief forester to consider the following factors to determine allowable annual cuts for timber supply areas and tree farm licences:
a) the rate of timber production that may be sustained from the area, taking into account:
• the composition of the forest and its expected rate of growth
• the time in which the forest will become re-established
• silvicultural treatments, including reforestation
• standards of timber utilization
• constraints on the amount of timber produced from the area due to use of the forest for purposes other than timber production
• any other information that relates to the capability of the area to produce timber
b) the short- and long-term implications to the province of alternative rates of timber harvesting from the area
c) the nature, production capabilities, and timber requirements of established and proposed processing facilities
d) the economic and social objectives of the Crown for the area, the region and the province, as expressed by the minister of forests
e) abnormal insect or disease infestations and major salvage programs planned for the timber on the area
Some of these factors can be measured and analyzed—others cannot. Ultimately, the chief forester’s determination is an independent, professional judgement based on the best information that is available. By law, the chief forester is independent of the political process and is not directed by the minister of forests when determining allowable annual cuts. In these determinations, the chief forester considers relevant information from any source, including interest groups. However, these determinations cannot be inappropriately influenced by the advocacy efforts of any group.
