BC Announces Actions to Reduce Wildfire Risk and Enhance Forest Stewardship

On Friday, British Columbia announced it was taking action to adapt its forests to ensure long-term sustainability and good-paying jobs by enlisting BC Timber Sales (BCTS) to play a larger role in reducing wildfire risk and enhancing forest and community resilience through its operations.

BCTS manages forest harvesting on more than 20% of BC’s public land. In January, the Ministry of Forests initiated a review of BCTS, undertaken by an expert task force, to create pathways for a stronger, more resilient forestry sector. A progress update was announced at the Council of Forest Industries (COFI) convention on Friday, April 4.

BCTS will work with all divisions within the Ministry of Forests, including the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), local communities, First Nations, and industry partners to:

• Reduce fuel loads in high-risk areas
• Remove health-damaged trees to improve recreational site safety and ecosystem resilience
• Expand the use of commercial thinning to maintain forest health while supplying fiber to the market
• Rehabilitate rangelands to restore productive landscapes
• Strengthen its partnership with BCWS to expand the use of prescribed fire as a key forest-management tool

As this work progresses, the province will determine how an expanded role for BCTS fits into a broader strategy to protect communities from wildfire and support healthy, resilient forests that meet the needs of people in British Columbia.

During the COFI conference in Prince George, the premier and minister of forests outlined government’s goal to have forest and wildfire salvage permits turned around in 25 days instead of 40. To address the cost of transporting BC’s wood products to market, the premier also announced the approval of the nine-axle lumber truck and trailer combination for use on some logging routes in BC.

The government also said is committed to improving infrastructure projects in the province to get more BC goods, such as lumber, to international markets. As the province continues to build the schools, hospitals, and facilities people need, there is a renewed commitment to explore every opportunity to build with BC wood.