Responding to a report calling for better use of B.C.'s "marginal forests," B.C.'s government has committed to 11 new actions to increase B.C.'s mid-term timber supply.
The actions, identified in Special Committee on Timber Supply's report, include:
- identifying marginally economic stand types and quantifying their potential contribution to timber supply;
- preparing a "science-based framework" to revisit designation of sensitive areas by 2013 for discussion with local governments, First Nations and other stakeholders;
- piloting fire management planning in the Merritt timber supply area and portions of the Prince George timber supply area; and
- releasing a completed analysis later this fall of insufficiently restocked areas due to the mountain pine beetle infestation, and by March 31, 2013, completing a government review of emerging technologies to improve the cost-effectiveness of treatments.
Forests Minister Steve Thomson welcomed the commitment.
"We've long recognized the importance of having a long-term vision for forest management to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the economic benefits they provide," he said. "This plan supports our long-term vision."
The government announced no new funding to support the plan.
