Policy defined
Policy, as presented in this document, deals with fundamental principles and matters that are considered before decisions are made. Policy assists the decision-maker to structure his or her thinking in order to reach a decision. Generally, policy is not binding on the decision-maker given the discretionary nature of his or her statutory powers; however, in certain cases, such as where the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act authorizes the chief forester to provide direction to the district manager, policy direction must be followed (see Appendix 1).
Procedure defined
Procedures, on the other hand, deal with process – the steps to be followed prior to making a decision or to implementing the decision once it is made. In general, decision-makers and support staff should consistently follow the procedures presented here.
Direction to district managers
The Act enables the chief forester to provide direction to district managers for district managers several types of higher level plans. This direction is presented in this document as policy and procedures for plans prepared pursuant to section 4(c) of the Ministry of Forests Act and for the establishment of landscape units, sensitive areas and related objectives. From time to time, the chief forester may issue additional direction on these matters that will update or supplement the direction contained in this document.
This document also contains policy that the chief forester has decided to consider and procedures that he will follow when establishing resource management zones, interpretive forest sites, recreation sites and recreation trails, and when designating tree farm licence management plans as higher level plans.
Higher Level Plans: Policy and Procedures contains ten chapters:
Chapters 1 and 2 provide an overview of planning and the Forest Practices Code, including a definition of higher level plans and a description of the links between operational and higher level plans and among higher level plans.
Chapter 3 covers information and recommended procedures for Cabinet or ministers declaration of plans developed outside the Code, under other legislation or policy.
Chapters 4, 5, 6, and 7 describe each of the higher level plans enabled in Part 2 of the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act ("the Act").
Chapters 8 and 9 cover policy and procedures for designating section 4(c) and management plans as higher level plans for the purposes of the Code.
Chapter 10 covers procedures for filing of orders and higher level plans as required by the Act.
Chapters 4 through 9 are laid out in a generally consistent format. Each chapter deals with a specific category of higher level plan and present introductory or overview information followed by a listing of relevant legislative quotations, highlighted in italics. Following this introductory material, are numerous sections that deal with the main issues, activities and requirements for each higher level plan. Each of these sections may contain an introductory comment followed by legislative references, then detailed policy, and finally, procedures. A consistent format and consistent terminology have been applied throughout these chapters.
Colour printing of titles and column word leaders has been used throughout the document to draw special attention to the content of these sections. Generally, these sections contain direction that must be followed during the higher level planning process.
The authority to establish standards under section 8 of the Act has yet to be invoked. Work on procedures for the establishment of standards is deferred until such time as the chief forester determines that standards are required.
Higher Level Plans: Policy and Procedures is a 'living' document and will be revised periodically as experience is gained through implementation of the Forest Practices Code. The chief forester has assigned the Director of Range, Recreation and Forest Practices Branch the responsibility to coordinate all proposed changes, additions and deletions regarding material contained in this document. All proposed amendments or additions to policy and procedures concerning higher level plans must be forwarded to the chief forester for decision through the Director, Range, Recreation and Forest Practices Branch. Direct comments or recommendations on the material in this document to:
Planning Supervisor
Range, Recreation and Forest Practices Branch
B.C. Ministry of Forests
1450 Government Street
Victoria, B.C. V8W 3E7
Fax: (250) 387-6751
