Pre June 2001 News Release - For Historical Reference
LEGISLATION ALLOWS TESTING OF PERFORMANCE-BASED FOREST PRACTICES CODE
VICTORIA — Forest Practices Code Act changes allowing pilot projects to test forest management methods that focus on results rather than rules were introduced in the legislature today by Forests Minister David Zirnhelt.
Other amendments introduced today through Bill 82, the forests statutes amendment act, address operational issues and make enforcement of forestry regulations more fair and effective.
"Participants at the premier's economic summit in the Cariboo wanted a way to test different methods of applying the code, with less administration but with the same or higher levels of environmental standards," said Premier Glen Clark. "We are delivering on one of the key recommendations of the summit - enabling legislation for pilot projects across B.C., starting in the Cariboo."
"The amendments take into account the points of view of environmental groups and the forest industry," said Zirnhelt. "The legislation also includes opportunities for public consultation."
"I think the pilot projects are a positive move that will allow a wider participation of other tenured forest users, such as the wilderness tourism community, in the decision making processes," said Dave Neads of the B.C. Environmental Network. "The pilots will also explore ways to meet standards of the Forest Practices Code while relieving some of the planning obligations now required. The challenge will be to industry to meet or exceed code standards in cooperation with other project partners."
The B.C. Forest Practices Code was implemented in June 1995. Since then, forest companies have met and in some cases exceeded the code standards. In response, government made changes to reduce code administration costs, which were higher than expected when the code was being developed. The pilot projects will allow government to determine if B.C. is ready to move to a more performance-based code.
"These changes will allow companies and organizations to work together towards a common goal of sustainable forest management in an efficient and effective manner," said Bill Bourgeois, Lignum Inc.'s vice-president of forest policy. "I expect the regulations to give the flexibility to be innovative while meeting environmental objectives."
The pilot projects will be limited to 10 per cent of the allowable annual cut in each region; meet or beat code standards; and the Forest Practices Board will retain its authority to audit forest practices.
Other amendments to the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act will:
clarify operating responsibilities for forest roads; and
improve enforcement provisions, such as giving peace officers greater powers to deal with forestry related contraventions.
"We are committed to the continued evolution of the Forest Practices Code to simplify and improve operations for small and large operators and government, while reducing industry costs and maintaining environmental standards," said Zirnhelt. "Action was recommended at the Cariboo summit and this is one example of action being taken."
Amendments to the Forest Act included in Bill 82 improve tenure administration for government and industry, provide for more effective compliance and enforcement, strengthen log marking requirements and provide implementation powers for the Nisga'a Final Agreement.
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For more information on the Ministry of Forests visit our Web site at: [http://www.for.gov.bc.ca]on the Internet.
Reference # 1999:072 *
Released on Jun 21, 1999 *
Region Province Wide *
Category Forest Practices Code
Contact
Ralph Archibald
Director, Forest Practices Branch
Ministry of Forests
(250) 387-3541
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