In response to recent increases in the spruce beetle population, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations is committing $1 million and has designated a spruce beetle manager to work with First Nations, local communities and stakeholders to develop a regional spruce beetle management plan.

The Province has issued a First Nations woodland licence to Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, enhancing employment and economic opportunities in the region.

The Great Bear Rainforest (Forest Management) Act, supports a strict new ecosystem-based management regime created through unprecedented collaboration for the globally unique region along British Columbia’s north and central coast.

The new Forest Enhancement Society of B.C., supported by $85 million in government funding, will focus its efforts on wildfire risk reduction to complement the ministry’s existing forest stewardship programs and world-class wildfire suppression capabilities.

The current effective allowable annual cut for the Fraser Timber Supply Area (TSA) remains unchanged at 1,235,700 cubic metres, chief forester Diane Nicholls announced.

The Province has extended the reduced fee in place for log exports in the Mid-Coast Timber Supply Area for one more year (to January 2017) to support forestry jobs in the area.

A company authorized to cut timber in the Meager Creek area northwest of Pemberton will receive an exemption to export up to 80,000 cubic metres of logs over a five-year period.