BC Government Refocuses On Timber Sales

The British Columbia, Canada government has launched a review of BC Timber Sales (BCTS) to ensure BC’s forestry sector is continually evolving to overcome challenges and create a guideline for a stronger, more resilient future.

BCTS manages 20% of the province’s allowable annual cut for Crown/public timber, according to its website.

“Forestry in BC is in transition, and the people and communities who rely on our forests—who are bearing the brunt of ongoing challenges—want change now,” says Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests.

The launch of the review recognizes the significant pressure the forest sector is under, from declining allowable annual cuts, difficulty accessing fiber, global economic conditions and heightened environmental and trade-protection efforts. Building on the ongoing work of BCTS, as well as recent forestry-sector engagement, the review will provide recommendations about how BCTS can:

• Create forestry-sector growth, competition and diversification

• Provide predictable and reliable market access to fiber

• Diversify access to fiber for the manufacturing sector, including value-added facilities

• Strengthen partnerships with First Nations and communities

• Provide more jobs for contractors, workers and communities

• Lead in innovative, sustainable forest management and silviculture practices

Kurt Niquidet, Vice-President and Chief Economist, BC Council of Forest Industries, comments, “A review of BCTS that includes independent input and analysis is an important step to address fiber supply availability in British Columbia, which will help to re-establish the province as an attractive destination for investment in forest-product manufacturing.”