The B.C. government is launching new measures to protect more old growth by fast-tracking innovation and co-developing new local plans with First Nations to better care for B.C.'s forests.
“Our forests are foundational to B.C. In collaboration with First Nations and industry, we are accelerating our actions to protect our oldest and rarest forests,” said Premier David Eby. “At the same time, we will support innovation in the forestry sector so our forests can deliver good, family-supporting jobs for generations to come.”
At the centre of the eight-point plan is $25 million for new Forest Landscape Planning (FLP) tables that will drive improved old-growth management while incorporating local knowledge and community priorities.
The province says forest landscape plans are a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to forest stewardship that will replace existing, industry-developed plans.
In response to requests from First Nations for more in-depth discussions about old growth, the funding will support eight new regional FLP tables with the participation of approximately 50 First Nations.
These tables will prevent harvesting in old-growth forests important for ecosystem health, biodiversity, clean water, carbon storage and Indigenous values. They will also provide greater certainty about the areas where sustainable harvesting can occur to support jobs and investment.
The announcement also includes ramping up government investments to support innovation in the forestry industry, doubling the new BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund to $180 million and expanding eligibility provincewide.
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