Summary:

• The Province, in partnership with Na̲nwak̲olas Council, has identified the first candidate area to explore a proposed three-zone forest management model in B.C.
• The B.C. government is working closely with First Nations, along with industry, local governments and interested parties to identify other candidate areas
• Candidate areas will be used to explore a three-zone model for public forests that supports a more co-ordinated approach to land use, stewardship and economic priorities that integrate with ongoing planning processes
• The intended outcome is to demonstrate how this model can improve predictability for industry, workers, First Nations, local communities and conservation interests

__________

In partnership with Na̲nwak̲olas Council, including four of its member First Nations, Tlowitsis, We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum and K’ómoks, and through targeted engagement with industry, government has identified areas near Campbell River as the first candidate area to explore a proposed Working Forest Landscape Model.

“I am pleased that our powerful partnership with the Na̲nwak̲olas Council will chart the part forward for the first Working Forest Landscape Model candidate area,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “Through this partnership, we are all in to identify solutions that support workers, communities, First Nations and industry. Delivering a working forest that will last for generations.”

The candidate area will explore a three-zone model for public forests, supporting a more co-ordinated approach to land use, stewardship and economic priorities. This marks the start of the model's exploration phase.

“The Campbell River area is home to important forest and watershed values that support fish and wildlife habitat, biodiversity and long-term ecosystem resilience,” said Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “By exploring this model with First Nations and local partners, we can better understand how integrated landscape planning can help protect these values while supporting sustainable economic opportunities and stewardship for future generations.”

Candidate areas

The candidate area north of and adjacent to Campbell River was identified through existing land use and forest planning processes, informed by spatial, economic and biodiversity analyses. The same approach will be used to identify future candidate areas.

“We are pleased to continue to work with the Province to help further strengthen our forests,” said Dallas Smith, president, Na̲nwak̲olas Council. “Our experience with spatial planning, tenuring and evolving participation in forest management with the B.C. government will help us establish how a three-zone working forest will keep people and mills operating, while also continuing to manage biodiversity issues like wildlife and fish habitat and old-growth values.”

Candidate area selection is guided by key considerations, including First Nations partnership, forestry sector viability, biodiversity and ecosystem health goals, local readiness, and the ability to explore activities that support the objectives of each of the three zones. 

The Campbell River area was selected because it meets these criteria in the following ways:

• The area supports significant forestry sector employment and economic activity, as well unique biodiversity and old growth values that are important to people in British Columbia.
• Na̲nwak̲olas member Nations are significant participants in the forestry sector, including through La-kwa sa muqw Forestry Limited Partnership, a joint venture with Western Forest Products that holds TFL 64.
• Discussions will support the transition from Nation-led planning to a Forest Landscape Plan developed in partnership with the Province.
• The candidate area also includes BC Timber Sales operating areas, providing an opportunity to explore the model across different forest tenures and management contexts.

Next steps

The exploration phase will continue to be guided by partnership with First Nations and focused engagement with industry, local governments, environmental non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders.

Government staff and local partners will undertake technical, socio-economic and environmental analysis to better understand how a three-zone approach could be applied to the landscape. This data will be used to identify opportunities and challenges along with any legislative or policy changes that may be required to support potential implementation.  

The Province will provide regular public updates on progress and key findings.

The proposed model

The model builds on recent forestry modernization efforts and is intended to demonstrate how a co-ordinated landscape approach can improve predictability for industry, workers, First Nations and communities, while supporting healthy, functioning forest ecosystems.

The model is being explored as part of government’s response to ongoing pressures facing B.C.'s forestry sector, including fibre constraints, climate-driven wildfires, market volatility, rising operating costs, and international trade pressures. The model is intended to support a strong and sustainable forest economy, while enhancing biodiversity, ecosystem health and long-term stewardship outcomes.

The proposed model includes three complementary management zones:

• A Working-Forest Zone that would prioritize the sustainable production of timber for commercial harvesting.
• A Multiple-Use Zone focused on the restoration and enhancement of biodiversity and ecosystem functions that can support multiple uses. This will contribute to connected and resilient biodiversity networks between zones, including wildfire mitigation, and to support sustainable economic activity.
• A Conservation and Protection Zone that ensures long-term ecosystem function and biodiversity through protected habitat and conservation networks.

The Province is working with First Nations and engaging with industry, local governments and other interested parties to identify other candidate areas.

The initiative is being co-led by the Ministry of Forests and the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, reflecting the Province’s commitment to integrated, landscape-level planning that balances economic, environmental and cultural values.

Learn More:

• Public updates on WFLM can be found here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/natural-resource-use/working-forest-landscape-model
• To read the WFLM news release from Aug. 26: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026FOR0033-000989
• To read about Land Use Plans, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/crown-land-water/land-use-planning
• To learn more about Forest Landscape Plans, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/managing-our-forest-resources/forest-landscape-plans