Benefits of and Barriers to Compatible Management for Timber and Non-Timber Values in BC: Results of a Survey

Abstract

Invitations to participate in a survey on forestry–non-timber forest product issues were issued to approximately 3500 individuals and organizations across British Columbia. There were 287 responses (8%), and detailed interviews were carried out with 26 respondents from among the 12 sectors that were identified. Almost half (43%) of the respondents practised or studied compatible management for timber and non-timber species. Benefits identified by respondents included economic diversification, application of sustainable forest management principles, contribution to attaining sustainable forest management certification, and enhancement of more values (economic, social, and ecological) than would be attained through timber management objectives alone. Barriers to compatible management included lack of financial incentives, legislation, policies, property rights, knowledge about non-timber forest products and capacity, as well as resistance to change within the forestry sector. Based on the survey responses, we recommend: (1) pilot studies to test the effectiveness of different access and stewardship arrangements; (2) clarification and strengthening of Aboriginal rights; (3) research on autecology, inventory methods, and economic valuation of non-timber forest products; (4) a stronger voice for the non-timber forest product sector; and (5) resolution of safety and insurance issues so that non-timber forest product harvesters can maintain access to managed land.