Will BC Forests Deliver on Expectations over the Long-term

Abstract

Interim results of the Healthy Forests-Healthy Communities: A conversation on BC forests initiative and relevant evaluations are summarized and interim conclusions identified.  The input to date includes comments from six (6) Community Dialogue Sessions, Background Briefs from 37 BC leaders in various aspects of forest management and comments from concerned citizens and forest professionals submitted through the HFHC website.  Forest management expectations for a viable and sustainable forest sector are identified along with examples of policy and forest practices which raise the question regarding whether BC forests will be able to deliver in the long-term.  Overall, participants are concerned regarding the direction of BC forest management relative to meeting the long-term needs for communities and families.  A number of challenges are identified that will confront communities, professionals and decision-makers to move towards an identified vision for BC forest lands.