The Province continues to support First Nations partnerships, major re-investment and development plans in British Columbia with the approval of master plan updates and the signing of new 60-year Master Development Agreements for Whistler Blackcomb.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations has approved a 30-year adventure tourism/commercial recreation tenure for Illecillewaet Development Limited Partnership’s proposed adventure park.

The Great Bear Rainforest (Forest Management) Act is set to take effect Jan. 1, 2017, following the enactment of regulations that bring the act into force and fulfill government’s commitment to ecosystem-based management in the Great Bear Rainforest.

Comments are being accepted until Feb. 28, 2017, on proposed amendments to the 2006 Land Use Objectives Order in the Kiteen (26,000 hectares) and Skeena Islands (4,500 hectares) portions of the Kalum Sustainable Resource Management Plan (SRMP) area in northwestern B.C.

The Province is investing $1.2 million to help increase moose populations following the release of a multi-level strategy to restore B.C.’s moose populations.

Under the BC Rural Dividend, the Province is providing $248,431 to Nadleh Whut’en First Nation, Yekooche First Nation, Tl'azt'en Nation Education and the District of Fort St. James, MLA for Nechako Lakes John Rustad announced.

In response to UBCM Resolution C-27, Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson re-affirmed government’s commitment to Vancouver Island’s old growth forests and stated there was no need to cease logging.

A new $1-million trust will be established to commemorate the visit of Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and celebrate the endorsement of the Great Bear Rainforest under The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy initiative.

The Valemount Glacier Destination Resort – a potential year-round skiing and alpine resort worth $175 million – has taken another step forward with the B.C. government’s approval of the master plan.

The Province has issued a First Nations woodland licence to Lake Babine Nation, enhancing employment and economic opportunities in the region.