British Columbia Forests Society

About the British Columbia Forests Society


Introductory Statement

The Forests Society is a non-profit, volunteer group formed in 2004. We are a citizen advocate for high standard forest stewardship in BC.

British Columbians want well-managed forests that sustain environmental, economic and social benefits in perpetuity. The Forests Society goal is to help make this possible. We will confront the issues that are important to people, provide balanced commentary, and propose effective solutions.

We are not a traditional lobby group, thinktank or activist organization focused upon a single issue. Instead we provide a balanced perspective and expertise on the range of forestry issues and solutions. We encourage opportunities for meaningful public discussion and debate, based upon accurate forest information and continuing education.

Our membership is open to anyone interested to improve forest stewardship in BC. Our headquarters is located in Victoria, and the intent of the Society is to have branches in communities across the province.

Come join us in our task. We invite you to become a part of a ‘Made in BC’ solution.


Why Is The British Columbia Forests Society Needed?

There has been for some time in B.C. a general absence of public discussion and debate around the subject of sustainable forest management (SFM). Much attention has been focused on individual 'hot' topics-of-the-day but there have been few substantive opportunities for meaningful discussion and comment upon major public issues and concerns. Most often the debate in B.C. has taken the form of polarized combatants, squaring off to represent and protect their individual viewpoints.

The British Columbia Forests Society has been established to address this shortcoming, and encourage and enable a meaningful and constructive public dialogue. The goal is to foster ongoing opportunities for people to participate with SFM.

Our Society believes that B.C. must have more open public dialogue and participation with SFM on a continuing basis, so people can have a more significant and influential role with our forests, which are important to our province in so many ways.



Vision Statement

The British Columbia Forests Society will promote the conservation and sustainable management of British Columbia’s forest lands, to provide environmental, economic and social benefits in perpetuity. The Society will foster meaningful public participation as a key component of this vision.

Mission Statement

The British Columbia Forests Society will promote constructive and balanced public dialogue to influence responsible officials and citizens to take effective action in the proactive management of BC’s forests. To this end, the Society will:

  • Address the issues of urgent public concern in BC’s forests
  • Promote concepts, principles, policies and practices of sound forest management
  • Foster SFM in accordance with the criteria & indicators of the Montreal Protocol
  • Urge responsible forest managers to make decisions that meet the tests of environmental, economic and social sustainability
  • Provide accurate and balanced information about forest stewardship in BC, to raise peoples’ awareness and understanding and capability to participate
  • Provide enlightened public commentary and discussion
  • Enable on-the-ground oversight by citizens and communities, to monitor and assess current practices and ensure continuous improvement.


What Are The Purposes Of The Society?

  1. To promote the conservation and sustainable management of British Columbia's forests.
  2. To enable people to enjoy the many economic, social, environmental and cultural values of our forests.
  3. To encourage communities to appreciate their forest environment and participate with sustaining forest values.


What are the Goals and Objectives of the Society?

Goals:

  • Raise the awareness and understanding of SFM in BC
  • Encourage meaningful public participation
  • Enhance forest stewardship in the province
  • Influence forest policy from the social/public perspective

    Objectives:

  • Increase opportunities for public discussion and debate
  • Provide balanced comment on the issues
  • Address the key provincial, regional and local issues
  • Work to incorporate SFM into school curriculums
  • Advise on increased community ownership and responsibility
  • Encourage SFM innovation and initiatives
  • Search out the best management practices (BMP)

    Tasks:

  • Develop a website and newsletter
  • Organize conferences, forums and workshops
  • Provide readily-available and balanced forest information
  • Develop local SFM indicators and track improvements
  • Produce media commentary
  • Develop a speakers bureau
  • Respond to questions from the public
  • Produce video documentaries
  • Monitor legislation and advise MLAs


How is the Society Different from Other Organizations?

The British Columbia Forests Society will provide ongoing opportunities for public dialogue, discussion and debate, based upon balanced perspectives of the issues rather than a singular focus from an entrenched position. The Society will not be a lobby group or thinktank, but will provide enlightened public comment to (and with) the many players involved with SFM in B.C. including governments, industrialists, environmentalists, public groups and communities.


What Issues will the Society Address?

Any SFM issue can be addressed through a Society-led discussion. Some specific topics could be:

  • A vision for BC's forests
  • Roles of BC Government SFM ministries
  • Roles of the forest industry
  • Roles of people and communities
  • SFM legislation and policy, including the Working Forest
  • Timber tenures, including Community Forests and Woodlots
  • Timber harvest rates, and forest practices
  • Forest products marketing, including certification
  • Private forest land, and Crown land ownership
  • Value-added manufacturing, and log exports
  • Non-timber forest products
  • First Nations opportunities
  • Forest health, including fire
  • Parks, wilderness and recreation, including public access
  • Cattle grazing
  • Biodiversity, including climate change
  • Threatened and endangered species
  • Water management
  • Forest information and education
  • Criteria and indicators


How will the Society Operate; Who can be Members?

The Society will be comprised of branches established to carry out activities in their local areas, in accordance with the Constitution of the Society and under general guidance of a provincial Board of Directors. Each Branch will have Society members and an elected Executive who will meet locally, and representatives will participate in periodic regional and provincial meetings. Membership will be open to individuals and groups; cost of membership will be nominal. A website will be available and a regular newsletter produced.


The Board of Directors

Drage, Harry - President; Victoria
Page, Rick - Vice-President, Victoria
Mitchell, Andrew - Secretary/Treasurer; Sidney
Wagner, Bill - Director at Large; Sooke
Director at Large - Vacant


Meeting Minutes

Society Meetings

Annual General Meetings

 


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