A recently released B.C. government update reports on work underway in response to the 14 recommendations made by an independent panel in a 2020 review of B.C.’s old-growth forests.

It also outlines next steps as the province and First Nations, alongside the forestry sector, workers and communities, take action to better care for forests, provide stability for B.C.’s forestry communities, and address challenges associated with climate change and wildfires.

Key items include:

* establishing the $1-billion Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation (the Nature Agreement);

* making sure forestry communities get more local jobs for every tree harvested, including by boosting made-in-B.C. wood manufacturing; and

* improving the work on the ground through better mapping, data and knowledge sharing.

Additionally, through Forest Landscape Plans (FLPs) the province is ensuring local values drive decisions on the landbase, including those related to forest resilience, wildfire prevention, economic development and community well-being. Nine FLPs are underway, with more to be announced in the future.

FLPs will be developed in partnership with First Nations, and through engagement with communities and people affected, local knowledge and values can be incorporated into the management of entire ecosystems.

Further updates on progress will continue as government builds on the strides taken with First Nations partners and industry, the Ministry of Forests and Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship stated in a media release.

e-KNOW file photo

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