BC communities need a new Forest Act so that forests are protected by law and communities are safe. Scott Onyschak, of Kootenay Coop Radio, and BFWSS Board Member, Jennifer Houghton discuss the push for a new Forest Act in BC.
“Earlier this year, the BFWSS launched a new campaign with goals of making legislative change. They are currently in a fundraising stage, while working to connect with other grassroots groups across the province. Currently, they have connections with the Interior Watershed Task Force (IWTF) and the Beaufort Watershed Stewards that plan to host an event in the future.”
Specific elements the new Forest Act should address to protect forests and communities:
The first and overarching priority is to enshrine in law that all forestry decisions are based on ecosystem and conservation science rather than timber supply considerations. This is an umbrella priority that applies to everything else that comes after it.
The second priority is a re-centering of forestry decision-making that allows the public, including Indigenous groups, to participate.
The third is that the government eliminates monopolies and, instead incentivizes and supports small-to-medium businesses doing local forestry, conservation, and restoration work.
Details about the BFWSS campaign can be found here: https://boundaryforest.org/problem-solution/
10-MINUTE LISTEN: https://www.frequencynews.ca/news/grand-forks-organization-working-to-change-forestry-legislation-in-bc/