BC Moves to Modernize Forest Management

On Thursday, BC announced that the province is taking steps to explore a Working Forest Landscape Model aimed at advancing a modernized forest-management system.

The proposed model would establish three interconnected management zones:

1. A Working-Forest Zone prioritizing timber production for commercial harvesting.
2. A Multiple-Use Zone focused on restoring and enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem functions while supporting multiple uses.
3. A Conservation and Protection Zone intended to maintain long-term ecosystem function and biodiversity through protected habitat and conservation networks.

The model is intended to support sustainable forestry, strengthen biodiversity and ecosystem health, improve drought and wildfire resilience, and provide greater certainty for long-term investment.

The province will begin working with First Nations to identify early candidate areas, with targeted engagement involving industry, local governments, and environmental groups. Areas selected to begin testing the three-zone model are expected to be announced in fall 2026.

BC Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar said:

“Our forests are changing and that means our forest management system must evolve. This is about planning first, focusing on better management and eliminating permitting obstacles. If we establish a clear vision for our working forests through long-term planning, we can reduce unnecessary red tape, improve land stewardship, create greater predictability for workers and communities, and build a forest sector that is more competitive and value-added.”

BC Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Randene Neil said:

“By planning across regions instead of making forestry-related decisions one at a time, we can better monitor and protect biodiversity and ecosystem health across the entire landscape. By conserving healthy forests, we are protecting wildlife habitat and supporting watershed health, which is integral to keeping everyone healthy and supporting our economy.”