Involving British Columbians
British Columbia is unique among the world’s leading forest producers because
95 per cent of its forests are publicly owned and managed by government to protect
their natural diversity and address the interests of all British Columbians.
Comprehensive land use planning involves British Columbians directly in planning
related to the protection, resource development and other uses of their public lands.
This process has resulted in new park designations, identified lands for resource
use and set aside areas requiring special management to conserve ecological or cultural
values.
British Columbia’s comprehensive land use planning process is open and locally
based, and decisions take into account the needs of communities, the economy and
the environment. While the planning process is consistent across British Columbia,
each plan is unique so it can meet local needs. It is structured to encourage participation
by the public, stakeholders and various levels of government, including First Nations.
Over the last 10 years, planning has been completed in close to 85 per cent of the
province.
British Columbia has roughly the same amount of forested area as it did before European
settlement. Only two per cent of the province’s land has been permanently
converted to other uses such as farming, ranching and urban development.
Sources
British Columbia Integrated Land Management Bureau: http://ilmbwww.gov.bc.ca
British Columbia Ministry of Forests and Range: www.for.gov.bc.ca