Working Forest Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Working Forest policy?
The
Working Forest policy fulfils government’s commitment to provide
greater stability for working families and enhance long-term forestry
management and planning. The goal is to enhance land-base certainty
for the forest sector and other forest-dependant industries to improve
the investment climate, in balance with the needs of other sectors and
the environment.
2. Will the Working Forest policy restrict public access?
Absolutely not. With this policy, opportunities for public access will not change. Restrictions will be applied only for the normal reasons such as public safety, resource protection (e.g., fire hazard) or protection of sensitive environments.
3. How will the Working Forest policy impact environmental values?
The
policy will not directly impact environmental values. Management objectives
will continue to be derived from integrated resource management plans
and implemented under rigorous forest practices standards, which were
recently recognized as among the most stringent in the world.
The Working Forest policy is about establishing more land-base certainty for the forest sector – it is not about changing forest practices or reducing environmental standards. All current and future appropriate environmental standards will be maintained.
4. What’s in it for the forest industry?
The
Working Forest policy is one piece of the larger government policy set
to assure continued viability of the forest sector and to encourage
new investment in resource development. With this policy, government
can ensure that lands are not converted to incompatible uses without
a thorough review of the proposed changes. Approved land use objectives
or “targets” will address land-base access for the forest
sector and other users.
5. What’s in it for other sectors -- tourism, mining, oil and gas, agriculture and others?
The certainty derived through making clear decisions about land use benefits all sectors. Government’s commitment to make these decisions and abide by them until they are revised through formal process adds predictability that can be incorporated into corporate investment plans. The Working Forests policy supports the multiple use concept, and recognizes the overlapping interests of agriculture, mining, oil and gas, tourism, biodiversity, recreation, wildlife and timber.
6.
How are First Nations interests accounted for in the Working Forest?
The Working Forest policy and the actions that may come out of it will not limit negotiations with First Nations in the treaty process, nor will it affect the province’s obligations to consult or provide accommodation for any infringement of aboriginal interests.
