Part A: Ministry of Forests and Range — Continued

Appendices (Part A)

Appendix A1: Mountain Pine Beetle Action Plan Report.

Mitigating the impacts of the mountain pine beetle infestation goes well beyond forestry related activities or the scope of any one ministry. This prompted the development of a comprehensive annually updated five-year Mountain Pine Beetle Action Plan that provides a broader, longer-term approach involving all appropriate government ministries. In 2005/06 the federal government contributed $100 million to be utilized over three years to assist the province in implementing the five-year action plan components that are of federal interest. Other components are being supported by the province or through licence agreements with industry. Those initiatives are included in other areas of this service plan.

The federal funding provided in 2005 addresses strategies that support six of the seven objectives of the action plan aimed at mitigating the social, economic and environmental consequences of the mountain pine beetle infestation now and in the future. These are:

1. Ensuring long-term economic stability for communities;

2. Maintaining and protecting public health, safety and infrastructure;

3. Recovering the greatest value from dead timber before it burns or decays, while respecting other forest values;

5. Preventing or reduce damage to forests in areas that are susceptible but not yet experiencing epidemic infestations;

6. Restoring the forest resources in areas affected by the epidemic; and

7. Effective overall coordination and management of the Action Plan.

Objective 4, to conserve the long-term forest values identified in land-use plans, has not received federal funding.

Objective 1: Encourage long-term economic sustainability for communities affected by the mountain pine beetle epidemic.

This objective is to encourage long-term economic sustainability for communities affected by the mountain pine beetle epidemic by supporting the development and implementation of strategic regional business plans for forest-dependent communities and First Nations within the affected areas.

For the next several years the primary focus will be working with impacted First Nations and communities to determine the probable socio-economic impacts of the mountain pine beetle epidemic and to support the creation of locally-developed mitigation strategies. These planning efforts will require multi-year financial support. During 2005/06 the First Nations Mountain Pine Beetle Working Group and two regional Beetle Action Coalitions were created and received funding support.

Program: Community Diversification and Stability.

Strategy

  1. Supporting development of community economic planning included work to explore possibilities for economic diversification, economic pre-feasibility analysis on opportunities, investment recruitment, business retention, community marketing and general economic research.

    During 2005/06 financial assistance was provided to the First Nations Mountain Pine Beetle Working Group, the Cariboo-Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition (CCBAC) and the Omineca Beetle Action Coalition (OBAC) for the preparation of related studies and mitigation strategies. The First Nations working group created a mountain pine beetle action plan in September 2005 to guide their strategies with the intent of merging their action plan with the provincial Mountain Pine Beetle Action Plan in 2007/2008.

Performance Indicator

Performance Measure 2005/06
Target		 2005/06
Actual		 Variance Target
Met?
Number of regional community associations economic diversification plans established for MPB mitigation 1 0 -1

Selection Rationale

A measure of the number of First Nations and regional coalitions that have taken the opportunity to develop economic diversification strategies that will mitigate the negative economic impacts of the mountain pine beetle infestation.

Results and Variance Explanation

Completion of the actual economic diversification plans may take until 2007/08 which although is in keeping with the Mountain Pine Beetle Action Plan, it is longer than originally intended in the target for this measure. This measure has therefore been revised for 2006/07 (see changes to the measure below).

Data Sources and Issues

Funding recipients will report outcomes as part of their funding agreement.

Changes to the Measure

This performance indicator has been changed for the 2006/07 service plan. In 2005/06 the measure represented the number of community socio-economic adjustments plans expected to be completed by the end of the year. This measure and target was set before it was clear how the community action coalition process would progress. Since the community action coalitions will produce a business plan to initiate the process, and the social-economic plan may take longer than one year to develop, it has been decided to track business plans as most representative of the annual outputs expected from the program.

Program: Natural Range Barrier Mitigation.

This program seeks to mitigate the impact of the mountain pine beetle on breach of natural range barriers by replacing barriers, controlling livestock distribution and protecting environmental rangeland values in affected communities.

Strategy

  1. Replacing natural range barriers and range developments lost or damaged during timber harvesting and associated road construction (not associated with forest licensee responsibilities under the Forest Range and Practices Act).

    Natural range barriers have been inventoried and mapped in six priority forest districts which have had the greatest impact from salvage logging. Information is being used by ranchers and forest licensees in planning processes and projects have been prioritized for construction in spring 2006. The development of a long-term strategic plan has begun in cooperation with the B.C. Cattlemen's Association.

Performance Indicator

Performance Measure 2005/06
Target		 2005/06
Actual		 Variance Target
Met?
Animal Unit Months (AUMs) of forage protected from loss due to MPB impacts 24,000 0 -24,000

Selection Rationale

AUMs of forage authorized measures how well the ministry is maintaining the production and utilization of forage in areas affected by the mountain pine beetle infestation.

Variance Explanation

While no projects were able to be constructed prior to winter, all of the planning/referral processes have been completed and projects are scheduled for construction in spring of 2006.

Data Sources and Issues:

MoFR, Range Branch.

Changes to the Measure

None.

Objective 2: Maintain and protect public health, safety and infrastructure.

This objective reflects the ministry's intent to maintain and protect public health, safety and infrastructure by reducing catastrophic wildfire risk to communities within mountain pine beetle affected areas.

Program: Fuel Management.

Strategy

  1. Conduct treatments to reduce combustible fuels within the hazardous interface areas surrounding communities affected by mountain pine beetle to reduce the risk of ignition and mitigate the potential impacts of wildfire.

    The Provincial Fuel Management Strategy has identified 460 000 hectares as potentially needing treatment due to the presence of mature pine and proximity to communities. Ten per cent of this is adjacent to First Nations reserve lands. Partnerships have been established to deliver fuel treatments with communities. The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) and First Nations Emergency Services Society (FNESS) will be facilitating treatments for local governments and First Nations.

Performance Indicator

Performance Measure 2005/06
Target		 2005/06
Actual		 Variance Target
Met?
Hectares treated for fuel management to protect interface areas impacted by MPB 6,000 2,278 - 3,722

Selection Rationale

This measures the ministry's success in reducing fuel loads through prescribed burning, slash removal on old harvesting sites, planning and integration with other fuel management activities and removal of mountain pine beetle-affected stands.

Results and Variance Explanation

Funding for fuel management was finalized in November and the fuel management program was announced by UBCM in early December. The development of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (see report under goal 1, objective 1) is critical for effective fire management planning and includes the identification of fuel treatment priorities for a community. Based on these plans, preliminary treatment projects have begun for a number of communities including Logan Lake, Prince George, Merritt, Cranbrook, and Houston. MoFR has worked with FNESS to develop a First Nations fuel management program, and staffing for this was completed in January 2006. The development of a community wildfire protection plan program for First Nations has just been initiated by FNESS.

Data Sources and Issues

Community agreement recipients will report achievements through the program's third-party delivery agents who will report summary achievements to MoFR on a quarterly basis.

Changes to the Measure

None.

Objective 3: Recover the greatest value from dead stands impacted by the mountain pine beetle, while respecting other forest values.

This objective reflects the ministry's intent to recover the greatest value from impacted stands. The federal funding is focused on ensuring that market access and manufacturing problems are not the limiting factor to a successful long-term salvage program.

Program: Research and Development — Wood Products.

Strategies

  1. Solving immediate manufacturing problems as quickly as possible to improve the profitability of the dead dry wood; and
  2. Developing new products and markets for the material.

Results

During 2005/06, FII supported research and development of new products and processes which in some cases will help to solve manufacturing problems:

  • Product testing and market research for railway ties in China.
  • The use of borates for use in interior construction applications in termite prone regions. Further work is planned with the Canadian Wood Council to explore commercial opportunities in the U.S.
  • University of British Columbia has developed and proven technology to produce a new surface bleached lumber, masking the blue staining caused by the mountain pine beetle.
  • University of British Columbia, in partnership with industry, has developed a way to condition grey-attacked logs that significantly increases moisture content overcoming a key issue in commercializing the use of pine for OSB production.

Performance Indicator

Performance Measure 2005/06 Target 2005/06 Actual Variance Target
Met?
Number of new products/applications for MPB timber identified and introduced to markets 3 4 1

Selection Rationale

Identifying new products will help establish the profitability and value of salvage cutting rights.

Results and Variance Explanation

This measure was overachieved due to more interest in the area of research than anticipated.

Data Sources and Issues

FII Ltd. reports this data to MoFR quarterly and annually.

Changes to the Measure

None.

Objective 4: Conserve the long-term forest values identified in land-use plans.

This objective reflects the ministry's intent to ensure that all resource values are considered in mountain pine beetle management practices in a manner consistent with existing or revised land use plans. This is primarily a planning, licensing and tenure administration initiative. Federal resources have not been directed to this area.

Objective 5: Preventing or reduce damage to forests in areas that are susceptible but not yet experiencing epidemic infestations.

Actions to control infestations will be taken to prevent or reduce damage to forests in areas that are susceptible to but not yet experiencing epidemic infestations. A primary focus is minimizing/eliminating the potential for the infestation to spread into Alberta and beyond to the boreal forests of northern Canada. Funding sources supporting aspects of this objective are the Ministry of Forests and Range, federal funding, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, the Forest Investment Account — Land Base Investment Program, and Alberta licensee funds.

Program: Spread Control.

Strategy

  1. Conducting aerial and ground surveys, spot treatments, prescribed burns and incremental costs for strategic harvesting, such as access improvement planning, to destroy the beetles before they emerge and spread.

    Significant progress was made towards this strategy commencing with aerial surveys conducted by the ministry in summer and fall 2005. Critical pathways for mountain pine beetle spread were identified as special management zones for concentrated efforts of ground surveys and treatments. The identified areas were treated as top priority areas throughout 2005/06 with effective treatments. Moving further west from these special management areas were areas of beetle infestation and in decreasing rank of priority given increased distance from the B.C.-Alberta border. These infestations were treated where funding was available. The focus over the next two years will be to continue concentrated efforts in the highest priority areas closest to the Alberta border while seeking opportunities through single tree treatments and harvesting to decrease the immigration of bark beetles from adjacent infestations.

Performance Indicator

Performance Measure 2005/06
Target		 2005/06
Actual		 Variance Target
Met?
Hectares treated through single tree treatments to control rate of spread of MPB 5,000 6,050 1,050

Selection Rationale

Efforts to limit the spread of the beetle are concentrated on the four forest districts on the eastern edge of B.C. Single tree treatments are being used to prevent the spread of the beetle beyond B.C.'s borders.

Results and Variance Explanation

The 5,000 target was over-achieved.

Data Sources and Issues

Data for this measure will be from licensees and third-party delivery agents under agreement to carry out these treatments.

Changes to the Measure

None.

Program: Parks and Protected Areas mountain pine beetle control.

Strategy

  1. Managing infestation within parks and protected areas on a priority basis through fuel management, spread control using controlled burns, and restoration within parks. Working closely with the Ministry of Environment — B.C. Parks division, single tree treatments were conducted in parks bordering Alberta and within critical pathways for beetle spread toward the border.

Performance Indicator

Performance Measure 2005/06 Target 2005/06 Actual Variance Target
Met?
Per cent of at risk sites treated in parks and protected areas to mitigate impacts of the mountain pine beetle infestation 19 22 +3

Selection Rationale

This is a measure of the areas that will receive required treatments on a priority basis, to address public safety from falling snags and fire, fall and burn and fall and removal treatments.

Results and Variance Explanation

The target was slightly over-achieved.

Data Sources and Issues

MOE, through regional coordinators and internal tracking mechanisms.

Changes to the Measure

None.

Objective 6: Restore the forest resource in areas affected by the Mountain Pine Beetle Epidemic.

This objective includes a variety of initiatives focused on restoring the damaged forest and associated environmental values. It includes programs fundamental to the restoration work and is highly integrated with the activities of other funding sources and ministry initiatives such as the Forests for Tomorrow program.

Program: Inventory.

To provide planning information on the spread of the beetle to support the spread control, salvage and follow-up mitigation/restoration programs.

Strategy

  1. Ensuring that the various mitigation initiatives have the required land, inventory and mapping information they need to succeed.

Performance Indicator

Performance Measure 2005/06 Target 2005/06 Actual Variance Target
Met?
Number of map sheets imaged of area susceptible to mountain pine beetle infestation 300 939 +639

Selection Rationale

This new measure indicates the maps and imagery that will be generated to show current locations of mountain pine beetle.

Results and Variance Explanation

The substantial overachievement is attributed to having access to Forests for Tomorrow and Forest Investment Account (FIA) funded photography and ortho-photos that were not accounted for in the published target.

Data Sources and Issues

Internal ministry tracking.

Changes to the Measure

None.

Program: Bio-Physical Research.

To supplement applied research efforts that provide related information for policy evolution and for resource planning and treatment decision making.

Strategy

  1. Providing credible and relevant scientific knowledge to support the conservation of long term forest values identified in land use plans and restoration of forest resources in areas affected by the epidemic.

Performance Indicator

Performance Measure 2005/06 Target 2005/06 Actual Variance Target
Met?
Number of research products or extension events for priority mountain pine beetle issues 25 31 +6

Selection Rationale

This new measure indicates the number of research products and extension events that provide related information for policy evolution and for resource planning and decision making in the areas of reforestation and restoration in riparian zones, forest productivity restoration (e.g., erosion mitigation), maintenance of biodiversity (including species at risk, anadromous fish, non-timber forest products, coarse woody debris, critical wildlife habitat structures); silviculture options and improving timber growth and value, and maintenance of watershed and hydrologic functioning. Reports may include extension notes, technical reports, brochures, workshop presentations, workshop or conference proceedings; training packages, posters, manuals and handouts; field handbooks or guides, field forms, cards, survey and evaluation procedures, web pages/major website updates or models and model updates. Events include forest science courses, demonstrations, presentations, workshops, training, field trips or tours, Internet based extension and any other event which conveys research findings to 10 or more people from the same organization, or to meetings/extension events with two or more other organizations/agencies.

Results and Variance Explanation

A total of 31 research products and extension events were reported, six over the target. Targets were set conservatively in 2005/06, taking into account that this was a new program. Start-up was more timely than anticipated. Eight products or extension events were delivered by the ministry, including workshops at UBC and UNBC. Twenty-three products and extension events were delivered through PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in 2005/06.

Data Sources and Issues

Ministry Research Branch and the program third-party delivery agent report results to the ministry's bio physical research coordinator.

Changes to the Measure

None.

Program: Ecosystem Restoration.

To assess and mitigate the environmental effects on fish, water quality, endangered species and biodiversity (delivered under agreement with and by the Ministry of Environment).

Strategy

  1. Addressing mountain pine beetle impacts through planning, surveys and treatments for terrestrial and aquatic species and habitat restoration, water quality/quantity and other non-timber objectives.

Performance Indicator

Performance Measure 2005/06 Target 2005/06 Actual Variance Target
Met?
Number of watersheds treated for ecosystem restoration as required as a result of mountain pine beetle 1 1 0

Selection Rationale

Specific target watersheds and/or locations in B.C. are being identified for the treatments addressed by this new measure. Treatments include: mitigation options for species-at-risk; treatments in unharvested areas (e.g., old growth, protected areas, riparian areas); modification of habitat, including the use of silviculture techniques; and, treatments that improve fish passage and water quality.

Results and Variance Explanation

The target was achieved as planned.

Data Sources and Issues

The delivery agent for MOE, reports quarterly to MoFR.

Changes to the Measure

None.

Objective 7: Coordinated and effective planning and implementation in support of all programs.

This objective is achieved through planning and management that supports the overall program. All funding sources and program areas support aspects of this objective.

Appendix A2: List of Legislation Administered by the Ministry.

The main statutes for which the Forest Service has responsibility are as follows:

Forest and Range Practices Act

The Forest and Range Practices Act and its regulations enable forest and range licensees to operate under a results-based regime for forest and range practices. Over the past year, under the transition scheme, licensees have had the option of operating under the Forest Practices Code or the Forest and Range Practices Act. As of December 31, 2006 licensees will no longer have this option as transition to FRPA will be complete. The new results based regime will promote innovation and reduce red tape while upholding environmental standards.

Both forest and range practices regimes enable the Forest Service to:

  • establish stewardship standards for forest and range practices;
  • ensure that the legislated requirements for sustainable forest and range practices are followed;
  • meet the requirements for resource objectives established through land use planning; and
  • carry out compliance and enforcement activities to ensure stewardship standards are met.

Forest Act

The Forest Act provides the Forest Service with the authority to:

  • determine an allowable annual cut for Crown land in each timber supply area and for each tree farm license area, woodlot license area and community forest agreement area;
  • enter into and administer agreements that authorize timber harvesting, including agreements that are awarded through auction by B.C. Timber Sales and used to support the market based pricing system;
  • require payments to the government for Crown timber;
  • establish requirements for timber marking and scaling, and to regulate marine log salvage;
  • require Crown timber, and specified private timber, to be used or manufactured in the province unless exempted by an order in council;
  • enter into road permits and road use permits for access to Crown timber, and to build and administer forest service roads; and
  • establish designated areas to protect forest land from development pending land use decisions.

Ministry of Forests and Range Act

The Ministry of Forests and Range Act provides the Forest Service with a broad and general mandate to:

  • encourage maximum resource productivity;
  • manage resources responsibly to achieve the greatest short- and long-term social benefits;
  • practice planned, integrated resource management and use;
  • encourage a globally competitive timber processing industry and ranching sector; and
  • assert the financial interest of the government.

Range Act

The Range Act authorizes the Forest Service to:

  • allocate and administer the use of range resources by the livestock industry through grazing and hay cutting agreements that provide revenue to the government;
  • issue agreements to First Nations for treaty-related purposes or interim measures;
  • protect Crown range resources through restrictions of use when conditions such as drought could result in damage to the range; and
  • temporarily increase the amount of forage allocated to range agreements when growing conditions are favorable.

Wildfire Act

The Wildfire Act consolidates the fire control responsibilities of the Forest Service and clearly defines the responsibilities of all users of the forest and range with respect to fire. The Act and its regulation are results-based and provide operational flexibility for industrial users. The Act follows through on recommendations from the Firestorm 2003 Provincial Review to strengthen wildfire prevention and suppression for the safety and security of communities in British Columbia. The Act ensures that government has the authority to fight any fire that threatens forest and range resources, and to restrict access, limit operations and requisition equipment and personnel in the event of significant fire activity.

Forestry Revitalization Act

The Forestry Revitalization Act is an integral part of government's forestry revitalization plan. The plan will open up opportunities in both forest management and wood processing sectors and create a more diversified and innovative forest sector.

The Act enables the government to take back 20 per cent of the long-term replaceable logging rights from major licensees to be reallocated to BC Timber Sales, communities, First Nations, woodlot owners and entrepreneurs. As a result of these and other changes, up to 45 per cent of the province's total harvest will eventually be available through the open market. The Act also sets aside funding for the transition to the new, stronger forest economy. Forest workers and contractors will have access to a trust fund for transition assistance. As well, the Act provides compensation to forest companies for the legal harvesting rights removed from their allowable annual cuts.

Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act

Much of the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act has been repealed as a result of the implementation of the Forest and Range Practices Act and the Wildfire Act. The remaining provisions of the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act relate to the:

  • issuance of special use permits to permit the use and occupation of Crown land for forestry purposes; and
  • continuation of the Forest Appeals Commission, and its operation.

Appendix A3: List of Crowns, Agencies, Boards and Commissions.

Service Delivery Crown Corporations:

  • Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd.
  • FII Consulting (Shanghai) Company Ltd.1

Commissions and Boards:

  • Forest Appeals Commission
  • Forest Practices Board
  • Timber Export Advisory Committee
1  Subsidiary corporation.

Appendix A4: Forest Investment Account.

Forest Investment Account Overview

The Forest Investment Account (FIA) is a forest-sector investment model led by government, established to deliver the provincial government's forest investment in an accountable, efficient manner and to assist government in its role of supporting a globally recognized, sustainably managed forest industry. Investment dollars have been directed to activities on public land — enhanced forestry, watershed restoration and resource inventories — and marketing and research that supports sustainable forest management and increased allowable annual cuts. Specific amounts have been dedicated to program elements at the provincial level, other amounts have been allocated for disbursement to tree farm license holders and certain types of tenure holders in each timber supply area.

Forest Investment Account Goals

Goal 1: Actively foster sustainable forest management

Goal 2: Improve the public forest asset base

Goal 3: Promote greater returns from the utilization of public timber

Forest Investment Account Organizational Overview

The Forest Investment Account comprises the following programs:

  • Land Base Investment Program (LBIP)
  • Small Tenures Program
  • Crown Land Use Planning Enhancement (CLUPE) Program
  • Tree Improvement Program
  • Forest Science Program
  • Product Development, and International Marketing Programs

The Minister of Forests and Range has decision-making authority for FIA and the Deputy Minister of Forests and Range chairs a Forest Investment Council that periodically reviews and makes recommendations on all FIA programs. The Council includes the Deputy Ministers of the Ministry of Environment (MOE) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (MAL), three licensee representatives, and one representative from the forest research and technology sector. The Council receives progress reports from program administrators and is responsible for determining whether guidance or restrictions are necessary to ensure that investment choices provide the greatest contribution to the achievement of FIA goals. FIA programs are administered by government or by third parties acting on behalf of government (see Figure 1).

Figure 1: Forest Investment Account Overview

Figure 1: Forest Investment Account Overview. LINK TO LARGER VERSION

 

Administration of most FIA activities is provided by private-sector firms rather than by government staff. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) provides day-to-day administration for the LBIP and the Forest Science Program, and FII does the same for the product development, and international marketing programs. The Federation of B.C. Woodlot Associations (FBCWA) administers the Small Tenures Program.

PwC, FII and the FBCWA ensure that proposed activities meet eligibility criteria for FIA funding and constitute an optimum mix of expenditures to promote program objectives. They also provide funds to successful proponents, track project delivery, and are responsible for performance and financial auditing.

FII was incorporated on March 31, 2003, under the Company Act of British Columbia. The Province of British Columbia, as represented by the Minister of Forests and Range, is the sole shareholder of the company. The company is managed through a Board of Directors made up of the Deputy Ministers of Forests and Range, Finance, and Economic Development, as well as the FII President and Chief Executive Officer. Each program operates within the goals and program objectives developed as part of the FII Service Plan. The annual service plan prepared by FII summarizes progress in meeting performance targets laid out in the FII service plan at the beginning of each fiscal year. The FII 2005/06 Annual Service Plan reporting of key accomplishments for the International Marketing and Product Development Programs is available at http://www.gov.bc.ca/cas/popt/ or http://www.bcfii.ca.

Highlights and key accomplishments are reported in this Appendix for the LBIP, the Small Tenures Program, CLUPE, the Tree Improvement Program and the Forest Science Program.

Forest Investment Account Budgets and Actuals

Forest Investment Account
  Budget Actual Variance
2005/06 Program Investments ($000)
Land Base Investment Program 48,801 44,404 4,397
Small Tenures Program 931 778 153
Crown Land Use Planning Enhancement Program 2,545 2,545 0
Tree Improvement Program 4,790 4,663 127
Forest Science Program 10,483 10,120 363
International Marketing and Product Development 21,450 19,840 1,610
Total — Program Expenditures 89,000 82,350 6,650
Accrual (not realized) N/A 1,658 (1,658)
Total — Public Account Expenditure 89,000 84,008 4,992
2005/06 Full-time Equivalents (FTEs)
Total 57 57 0

Variances in FIA expenditures are mainly attributed to unforeseen factors that restrict the ability of recipients of FIA funding to complete planned projects. These include bad weather conditions and contractor availability and capacity. As well, since there is no allowance for over-expending of allocations within FIA programs, a conservative approach to managing allocations is done by the majority of recipients, particularly in the LBIP, resulting in under-expenditures at fiscal year end. In 2006/07 more rigorous and frequent reviews of financial progress and priority requirements will be implemented to minimize fiscal year end expenditure variances.

2005/06 Program Highlights and Key Accomplishments

Land Base Investment Program

The Land Base Investment Program (LBIP) provides funding to forest companies to plan and deliver land base investments that foster sustainable forest management and improve the public forest land base in British Columbia. The Ministries of Forests and Range, Environment, and Agriculture and Lands establish resource objectives, maintain a roster of eligible activities and provincial standards, and manage deliverables generated through LBIP projects.

Investments in the LBIP contribute to the FIA goal of actively fostering sustainable forest management and improving the public forest asset base by:

  • acquiring and providing access to science-based information about forest resources;
  • improving the modeling of forest dynamics;
  • monitoring changes to forest resources;
  • supporting the creation of sustainable forest management plans;
  • ensuring that forests have sustained value production; and
  • restoring and enhancing site productivity, recreation features, and damaged ecosystems.

For 2005/06, a portion of LBIP funding was targeted for activities administered by the Ministry of Forests and Range. These activities included mountain pine beetle control in protected areas and parks, invasive plant treatments and invasive plant bio-control development, and forest health pest and disease treatments.

2005/06 Program Investments ($000)
Land Base Investment Program
  Budget Actual Variance
LBIP Component Areas
Information Gathering and Management N/A 12,500 N/A
Stand Establishment and Treatment N/A 5,555 N/A
Restoration and Rehabilitation N/A 2,778 N/A
Strategic Resource Planning N/A 2,719 N/A
Infrastructure N/A 494 N/A
Gene Resource Management N/A 30 N/A
Training and Extension N/A 61 N/A
LBIP Component Areas Total 25,500 24,137 1,363
Forest Health Activities (Mountain Pine Beetle) 2,332 2,256 76
Timber Supply Reviews 975 211 764
TOTAL 28,807 26,604 2,203
PwC Administration and Audit 1,990 1,990 0
Standards, Data Management and Technical Support 9,356 8,424 932
Mountain Pine Beetle control 4,810 3,850 960
Invasive Plants 1,155 1,172 (17)
Resource Data Cleanup 911 868 43
Forest Health Pest and Disease treatments 1,772 1,496 276
Total — Program Expenditure 48,801 44,404 4,397
Accrual (not realized)   1,658 (1,658)
Total — Public Account Expenditure 48,801 46,062 2,739

Key Accomplishments:

Acquiring and providing access to science based information about forest resources

  • Acquired updated and new resource information towards improved land use planning and decision-making from a combined total of 61.3 million hectares. This includes an increase in the amount of provincial Crown land area where information relating to terrain stability, terrestrial ecosystem mapping, vegetation resource inventory, predictive ecosystem mapping, archaeology, biodiversity, wildlife, and fish has been enhanced.
  • Completed and released three Timber Supply Area (TSA) Allowable Annual Cut determinations; initiated new timber supply reviews in two TSAs; and made substantial progress towards completing timber supply reviews in four TSAs.

Improving the modeling of forest dynamics

  • Re-measured or established 391 growth and yield plots. This information contributes towards estimating future volume and quality of timber yields from our forests; updates forest inventories; provides input for forest management planning; evaluates enhanced stand management opportunities; and assesses the impacts of pests and fire on timber yield.
  • Monitoring changes to forest resources
  • Monitored 83 sites for long-term studies relating to aquatic and terrestrial values, including water quality, deer, northern goshawks, marbled murrulets and other indicators.

Supporting the creation of sustainable forest management plans

  • Completed 65 projects related to the development of key indicators and public advisory groups / consultation processes, including the update or creation of sustainable forest management plans based on this information. This work contributed to the foundation for achieving sustainable forest management by setting goals, indicators and targets for defined forest areas.

Ensuring that forests have sustained value production

  • Carried out 6797 hectares of treatments and surveyed 12 235 hectares. Activities funded include improved incremental silviculture treatments and reforestation of backlog areas (areas denuded prior to October 1, 1987). The investment in these treatments contributes to making stands available for harvest sooner, increasing merchantable volume and growing higher quality second growth stands.
  • Completed 1.8 million hectares of aerial surveys, 80 999 hectares of ground surveys and 11,068 single tree treatments for bark beetle management in suppression beetle management units.

Restoring, and enhancing site productivity, recreation features, and damaged ecosystems

  • 83 forest recreation sites and 356 kilometres of forest recreation trails were maintained or established to provide user safety, provide sanitary conditions, protect the environment, provide user access and convenience, and protect investment in infrastructure.
  • Permanent road deactivation, landslide and gully rehabilitation and assessments were carried out on 4692 km of non-status forest roads, thereby reducing the risk of environmental and economic damage to resources within and adjacent to the road location from landslides and other environmental hazards.
  • 41 sites were assessed, prescribed and works completed on instream structures. Additional 85 sites were reviewed for fish passage concerns and structures removed/replaced as necessary to re-establish upstream habitat access for salmon and other local fish species.

Small Tenures Program

Funding under the Small Tenures Program is available for eligible land-base activities on Crown land under woodlot license tenure and community forest agreement tenure. The Small Tenures Program provides funding to eligible licensees for activities similar to the LBIP (i.e., enhanced forestry, environmental preservation and restoration, and resource information).

Investments in the Small Tenure Program contribute to the FIA goal of actively fostering sustainable forest management and improving the public forest asset base by:

  • acquiring and providing access to science based information about forest resources;
  • ensuring that forests have sustained value production; and
  • restoring and enhancing site productivity, recreation features and damaged ecosystems.
2005/06 Program Investments ($000)
Small Tenures Program
  Budget Actual Variance
Information Gathering and Management N/A 241 N/A
Stand Establishment and Treatment N/A 361 N/A
Training and Extension N/A 39 N/A
Infrastructure N/A 75 N/A
Sub-Total 868 716 152
Program Administration and Audits (FBCWA) 63 63 0
Total Program Expenditure 931 779 152

Key Accomplishments:

Acquiring and providing access to science based information about forest resources

  • Resource information on a combined total of 127 550 hectares was acquired on provincial Crown land area under small tenures. Information relating to terrestrial ecosystems, vegetation resource inventory and archaeology has been enhanced on these areas.
  • 17 woodlot workshops for approximately 301 participants focused on requirements associated with the Woodlot Licence Plan using the Woodlot Licence Plan Template.

Increasing timber volume and value

  • 276 hectares of forest stands were treated (i.e. site prepared, planted, brushed, pruned, juvenile spaced, or fertilized). These investments contribute to growing higher quality second growth stands on Crown lands.
  • 13,000 trees were purchased for planting in the spring/summer of 2007 on Crown areas harvested prior to October 1, 1987.

Restoring and enhancing site productivity, recreation infrastructure, and damaged ecosystems.

  • Seven forest recreation sites were activated or maintained and three forest recreation sites were expanded to provide user safety; provide sanitary conditions; protect the environment; provide user access and convenience; and protect investment in Crown infrastructure.
  • Crown Land Use Planning Enhancement

The Crown Land Use Planning Enhancement (CLUPE) Program augments the province's strategic land use planning program. Strategic land use plans are completed around the province to resolve land use conflicts, identify management priorities and establish resource objectives for specified areas of Crown land. These objectives guide land use and resource management and help to identify economic opportunities within the plan area. CLUPE funds are used for:

  • Capacity building: Build land/resource planning capacity in the communities where planning is happening, and develop local-level support for planning outcomes.
  • Resource objectives: Specify government's objectives for Crown forest land and resources.
  • Resource analysis: Ensure that forest land use planning decisions are based on sound analysis and information.
  • Implementation, monitoring and evaluation: Ensure that strategic land use plans achieve their intended social, economic and environmental objectives.
2005/06 Program Investments ($000)
Crown Land-Use Planning Enhancement Program
  Budget Actual Variance
Building Planning Capacity 127 120 7
Developing Resource Objectives 1,773 1,816 (43)
Undertaking Resource Analysis 195 185 10
Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation 450 424 26
Total Program Expenditure 2,545 2,545 0

Key Accomplishments:

Capacity Building

  • The Bulkley Recreation Access Management Plan update is complete.
  • A draft Sustainable Forest Management Plan for the Fort Nelson area has been developed on a cooperative basis between the forest industry and government.

Specifying Government's Objectives

  • Stakeholder consensus has been achieved on spatial Old Growth Management Areas (OGMAs) in all 12 landscape units in Merritt and all 33 landscape units in Kamloops.
  • The Kispiox Sustainable Resource Management Plan has been completed.
  • Visual objectives, based on visually sensitive areas, have been established for Dawson Creek.
  • Spatial OGMAs are being developed in 27 landscape units of the Okanagan-Shuswap area, all 17 landscape units in Lillooet and various areas of the Kootenays.

Resource Analysis

  • The Land Use Objectives Regulation and FRPA interpretation documents have been merged to form a combined project. Final editing of this business practices document is being carried out.

Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation

  • Mountain Caribou guidelines as a component of the Kamloops Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) have been completed. An assessment of the impacts on timber supply has been completed.
  • An evaluation of the risks of non-compliance with Kamloops LRMP objectives and strategies due to predicted impacts of the mountain pine beetle epidemic has been completed.

Tree Improvement Program

The Tree Improvement Program is an operational investment plan for management of the genetic resources of the Province to meet the FIA goal to improve the public forest land base and the Ministry of Forests and Range goal of Sustainable Forest Resources. The program focuses on improving the public forest asset base by supporting the development and availability of genetically well-adapted, high quality reforestation material from natural sources and through the conservation of our forest gene resources. The Forest Genetics Council of British Columbia, appointed by the province's Chief Forester, guides tree improvement activities in the province.

Based on its goals and objectives, the Forest Genetics Council has defined a provincial forest gene resource management program with the following components:

  • Gene Conservation — activities monitor the gene pool needed for species to adapt to future environmental conditions, and provide technical recommendations on how to maintain the genetic resource for future generations.
  • Tree Breeding — activities include selecting parents in wild stands, testing offspring, establishing/maintaining/measuring trials, and delivering technical support.
  • Operational Tree Improvement Program — focuses on increasing the quality and quantity of select seed produced from existing forest company and ministry seed orchards.
  • Expansion of Orchard Seed Supply — the Ministry of Forests and Range supports seed orchard expansions and the cooperative production of vegetative materials through SelectSeed Company Ltd., a company under the control of the Forest Genetics Council.
  • Extension and Communication subprogram — meets Forest Genetics Council goals and objectives related to extension, communication, and education activities.
  • Gene Resource Information Management — supports the development of computer-based systems that improve user access to information on select reforestation materials.
  • Seed Pest Management — supports research to ensure protection of conifer seed orchards and to develop better method of management for cone and seed pests.
  • Program Planning — Financial and administrative management that supports development of business plans, species plans, and annual activity plans for the overall program.
2005/06 Program Investments ($000)
Tree Improvement Program
  Budget Actual Variance
Gene Conservation 220 220 0
Tree Breeding 2200 2223 (23)
Operational Tree Improvement 600 543 57
Expansion of Orchard Seed Supply 890 890 0
Extension and Communication 120 120 0
Gene Resource Information Management 50 45 5
Seed Pest Management 250 162 88
Program Planning 40 40 0
*Grants and Contributions 420 420 0
Total Program Expenditure 4790 4663 127
*  Contribution agreement for Select Seed Ltd. contract.

Key Accomplishments:

Increasing timber supply

  • The use of orchard seed has reached 50 per cent of provincial reforestation requirements.
  • Average genetic worth of orchard seed used reached 11 per cent.
  • Select Seed orchard developments are producing crops; first lodgepole pine cones harvested. Total seed sales increased to nearly $9,000.
  • All 14 Select Seed Orchards (30 per cent of provincial total) now moving from establishment to production stage.
  • Third generation selections started for coastal Douglas-fir seed orchards.
  • Second generation selections initiated for interior spruce.
  • Completed all second generation breeding in lodgepole pine with the last population to be planted in 2006.
  • Identified genetic variation for western gall rust resistance in interior lodgepole pine, allowing selection of resistant families for seed orchards.
  • Gene conservation and research
  • Published the in situ genetic conservation status of 50 tree species in protected areas in British Columbia.
  • Developed seed transfer recommendations for restoration of whitebark pine in B.C.
  • Published and released Climate B.C. Version 2.3, a model used to forecast climate at any location in B.C. under various climate-change scenarios.
  • Established a significant spruce genecology/climate change study (128 populations on 15 sites).
  • Developed landscape-level seed needs analysis to aid mountain pine beetle planning, analysis and mitigation objectives.
  • Established long-term black cottonwood provenance-clonal trials.

Operational support, extension, and planning

  • Initiated a five-year extension plan.
  • Held 15 workshops on tree improvement throughout B.C.
  • Upgraded GIS data for parent trees and orchard seedlots in support of the Chief Forester's Seed Standards.
  • Continued development of the Seed Planning and Registry system Parent Tree registry and online seedlot registration.
  • Developed a web page on Mountain Pine Beetle Superior Provenance Seed Collections to assist clients.
  • Established a cone and seed pest management research program.
  • Seed and cone pest research scientist hired for Seed Pest Management Program.
  • Initiated studies on new systemic pesticides for control of cone and seed insects.

Forest Science Program

The Forest Science Program's vision is to be a world leader in providing credible and relevant scientific knowledge to support sustainable forest management policies and practices. The program supports the FIA goals of improving the public forest asset base and promoting greater returns from the utilization of public timber. This is accomplished by focusing on applied research in the areas of sustainable forest management, improving timber growth and value, and achieving more effective use of forest science results through extension. The FIA-FSP website, http://www.fia-fsp.ca, lists additional information on program plans and reports.

The Forest Science Program strategic goals are as follows:

  • Improve knowledge-based science in support of sustainability.
  • Improve knowledge-based science in support of improving timber growth and value.
  • Guide development of a provincial forest extension program.
  • Develop efficient and effective process for determining annual research and extension priorities.
  • Encourage sufficient stable funding to meet the needs of the Forest Science Program.
2005/06 Program Investments ($000)
Forest Science Program ($000)
  Budget Actual Variance
Sustainability Research 4,209 3,858 351
Timber Growth and Value Research 3,289 3,350 (61)
Long-term Research Installation Maintenance 667 629 38
Proponent Driven 116 113 3
Extension 1,250 1,250 0
Forest Science Board 261 254 7
Research Partnerships 25 25 0
Program Administration and Audits 665 641 24
Total Program Expenditures 10,482 10,120 362

Funding for sustainability and timber growth and value projects represent the largest proportion of available funds supporting single- and multi-year projects. In 2005/06 FIA-FSP also provided funding to support site maintenance, core monitoring, and knowledge asset protection on 40 long-term research installations in British Columbia. These installations provide opportunities for the collection of long-term data and collaborative research relevant to priorities established for the sustainability and timber growth and value programs.

A smaller portion of funds supported three proponent-driven proposals that fall within the general research program, but on topics not identified as the annual priority. Two single year projects related to baseline studies on economic value and compatible management of non-timber forest products, and synthesis and extension of research on the nutritional sustainability of variable retention harvesting. A two-year project to predict growth responses to climate change among co-occurring major tree species in British Columbia was also funded.

The Ministry of Forests and Range, through the FIA-FSP, continued to contribute to the Canadian Forest Innovation Council (CFIC) and Sustainable Forest Management Network (SFMN). CFIC is a national initiative established to encourage forest sector innovation that supports industry profitability, environmental quality, and community sustainability. The SFMN is a national partnership to deliver an internationally recognized, interdisciplinary program that undertakes relevant university-based research and training. In 2005/06 FIA-FSP provided CFIC $25,500. The current grant to the SFMN was still in effect for 2005/06, but it is expected that further funding to the SFMN will occur in 2006/07.

Key Accomplishments:

Improve knowledge-based science in support of sustainability

  • Sixty-eight projects were funded to improve knowledge-based science in support of sustainability in 2005/06. Funded projects will help reduce the uncertainty surrounding impacts of roads, access management and forest harvesting around small streams and provide more information on sustainable forest management indicators, targets, and monitoring systems. Ongoing multi-year projects provided information on wildlife such as grizzly bear, mountain caribou, and goshawks.

Improve knowledge-based science in support of improving timber growth and value

  • Fifty-nine projects were funded in 2005/06 to improve knowledge-based science in support of improving timber growth and value. Projects included work on improving juvenile tree growth predictions for mountain pine beetle damaged stands, modeling individual tree mortality for northern mixed species, and further development of the Prognosis B.C. growth and yield simulator. Ongoing multi-year projects provided additional information for operational models and support tools on biological processes such as competition for light, nutrients and moisture that regulate tree growth and stand development.

Guide development of a provincial forest extension program

  • In 2005/06 the provincial Forest Extension Provider, FORREX, continued a provincial Forest Extension Program to address the extension needs of the FIA Forest Science Program, FIA Land Base Investment Program, and FIA Small Tenures Program. Extension activities were focused in five areas based on priority management issues: ecosystems and biodiversity conservation; forest dynamics and integrated resource management; socio-economic; information and knowledge systems, and watershed management. Extension activities and products included workshops, conferences, publications, presentations, websites, field tours and forums.

Develop efficient and effective process for determining annual research and extension priorities

  • The sustainability and timber growth and value program advisory committees (PACs) both developed 10-year strategies as well as priority documents for the 2006/07 request for proposals. The PACs also developed a mountain pine beetle priority document, based on the MoFR's Mountain Pine Beetle Stewardship Research Strategy, to guide the expenditure of funds for bio-physical research and development related to the mountain pine beetle (see Appendix 1).

Encourage sufficient stable funding to meet the needs of the Forest Science Program

  • Several presentations on the FIA-FSP were given to industry and government including one to the Forest Investment Council (FIC). The Board submitted funding issues to FIC resulting in a $3.7 M increase in funding for 2006/07. The Board is also managing the majority of funding for the biophysical research and development related to the mountain pine beetle (see Appendix 1).

Appendix A5: Table of Performance Measure Changes — 2005/06 Update Compared to 2006/07.

This section identifies major changes to September Update performance measures and provides a cross-link to where additional information can be found. For each measure appearing in the 2005/06 – 2007/08 Service Plan Update three outcomes are possible: The measure is unchanged; the measure has been revised; or the measure has been dropped from the 2006/07 – 2008/09 Service Plan. The table identifies what has happened to each measure appearing in the September Update, and where information on each measure appears in the Annual Service Plan Report.

2005/06 – 2007/08 Service Plan Update Performance Measures   Performance Measure Status for 2006/07   Explanation
Goal 1: Sustainable Forest and Range Resources
Total area of Crown forest lost to wildfire (KOI). Dropped. This measure is tracked internally to the ministry starting in 2006/07.
Per cent of wildfire contained at <4ha (PM). Unchanged. Per cent of wildfire contained at <4ha.
Per cent of Crown forest aerial surveyed to monitor forest health (PM). Dropped. This measure is tracked internally to the ministry starting in 2006/07.

Per cent of bark beetle management units (BMU) — including parks and protected areas — treated by MoFR that meet treatment targets (PM).

Revised.

In 2006/07, this measure has been reworded to the "Per cent of Mountain Pine Beetle Aggressive Emergency Management Units that achieve treatment targets". This change reflects a change in naming convention.

Per cent of high priority areas treated to manage defoliator outbreaks (PM). Dropped. This measure is tracked internally to the ministry starting in 2006/07.
Per cent of TSAs and TFLs for which AAC has been determined in the last five years (PM). Dropped. This measure is tracked internally to the ministry starting in 2006/07.
Volume gain of timber available for harvest in 65 years from all ministry tree improvement activities (PM). Dropped. This measure is tracked internally to the ministry starting in 2006/07.
Area of provincial forestland (KOI). Dropped. This measure is tracked internally to the ministry starting in 2006/07.
Ratio of area reforested to area harvested or lost to fire and pest (KOI). Unchanged. Ratio of area reforested to area harvested or lost to fire and pest.
Per cent achievement of ministry free-growing obligations (PM). Dropped. This measure is tracked internally to the ministry starting in 2006/07.
Status of the State of the Forest Report (PM). Revised and Dropped.

This measure has been converted to a percentage of report achievement to provide a better indication of progress, and will be tracked internally to the Ministry starting in 2006/07.

Per cent of FRPA values with measurable indicators for effectiveness evaluations (PM). Dropped. This measure is tracked internally to the ministry starting in 2006/07.
Per cent of annual harvest area with soil loss due to the establishment of permanent access roads (KOI). Dropped. This measure is tracked internally to the ministry starting in 2006/07.
Area restored to open forest and grassland (PM). Dropped. This measure is tracked internally to the ministry starting in 2006/07.
Per cent of available Crown range under a form of agreement (PM). Unchanged. Per cent of available Crown range under a form of agreement.
Per cent of forest and range operator's compliance with statutory requirements that regulate forest practices (KOI). Unchanged. Per cent of forest and range operator's compliance with statutory requirements that regulate forest practices.
Per cent of high and very high priority sites inspected for forest and range practices compliance (PM). Dropped. This measure is tracked internally to the ministry starting in 2006/07.
Per cent of high and very high priority sites inspected for pricing compliance (PM). Dropped. This measure is tracked internally to the ministry starting in 2006/07.
Goal 2: Sustainable Forest and Range Benefits
B.C.'s share of the U.S. softwood lumber market (KOI). Dropped. This measure is tracked internally to the ministry starting in 2006/07.
B.C.'s share of Japan softwood lumber imports (KOI). Dropped. This measure is tracked internally to the ministry starting in 2006/07.
Increase in wood product sales to Taiwan, China, and Korea (KOI). Dropped. This measure is tracked internally to the ministry starting in 2006/07.
Percentage increase in forestland certified by major forest certification process (KOI). Dropped. This measure is tracked internally to the ministry starting in 2006/07.
Status of the implementation of the market-based pricing system (PM). Dropped.

This measure will not be tracked and reported by MOFR any longer, as the system in the Interior will be implemented on July 1 2006.

Crown forest gross revenue (KOI). Crown forest gross revenue. Crown forest gross revenue.
Crown gross revenue from B.C. Timber Sales (KOI). Dropped.

This measure is tracked internally to the ministry starting in 2006/07 but will continue to be publicly reported by BC Timber Sales.

Per cent of Timber Supply Area AAC under a form of tenure (PM). Dropped.

This measure is tracked internally to the ministry in 2006/07 and is under review for potential re introduction in the 2007/08 Service Plan.

Per cent of key engineering activities substantially achieved (PM). Dropped. This measure will not be tracked in the future due to inconsistent data.

Per cent of kilometres of Forest Service roads, where the District Manager is directly responsible for maintenance, that are open for public access (PM).

Unchanged.

Per cent of kilometres of Forest Service roads, where the District Manager is directly responsible for maintenance, that are open for public access.

Per cent reduction or increase to the Forest Service road network (PM). Dropped. This measure is tracked internally to the ministry starting in 2006/07.
Total number of Forest and Range agreements offered to and signed with First Nations (PM). Revised.

The number of offers to First Nations is being tracked internally to the Ministry starting in 2006/07. The number of agreements will continue to be tracked in the Ministry's Service Plan.

Per cent of total timber volume available, auctioned by BCTS (PM). Unchanged. Per cent of total timber volume available, auctioned by BCTS.
Crown revenue from BCTS (PM). Dropped.

This measure is tracked internally to the ministry starting in 2006/07 but will continue to be publicly reported by BC Timber Sales.

Average cost per cubic metre of volume developed by BCTS (PM). Dropped.

This measure is tracked internally to the ministry starting in 2006/07 but will continue to be publicly reported by BC Timber Sales.

Volume offered for sale by BCTS (PM). Dropped.

This measure is tracked internally to the ministry starting in 2006/07 but will continue to be publicly reported by BC Timber Sales.

Goal 3: Highly Effective, Innovative and Responsive Organization
Per cent of FIA performance measure targets substantially achieved (PM). Dropped. This measure is tracked internally to the ministry starting in 2006/07.
Per cent of British Columbians who agree that the Forest Service can be trusted to protect and manage our public forests (KOI). Dropped.

This measure will continue to be measured in the survey done by BC Stats, but this information will be tracked internally by the Ministry starting in 2006/07.

Per cent of British Columbians who feel the Forest Service effectively protects and manages our public forests (KOI). Unchanged. Per cent of British Columbians who feel the Forest Service effectively protects and manages our public forests.

Appendix A6: Forests and Range Organization Structure.

Appendix A6: Forests and Range Organization Structure.

The Ministry of Forests and Range has a decentralized structure (see Figure above), with the majority of staff in field offices in close proximity to the forests they protect and manage and the clients and communities they serve. Staff in Operations Division are involved in all core business areas except BC Timber Sales.

The Operations Division personnel in Victoria are the Compliance and Enforcement Branch and executive and support staff to Fire Protection and Field Services staff. The Range Branch, based in Kamloops, was established in 2005 by bringing together range staff from Forest Practices Branch and staff transferred to the ministry from the former Land and Water BC.

The Forest Stewardship Division includes the Forest Practices Branch, Research Branch, Forest Analysis and Inventory Branch and the Tree Improvement Branch, which manages the Tree Seed Centre and five seed orchard facilities. Inventory staff were transferred to the ministry from the former Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management in 2005/06.

In the Tenure and Revenue Division are Economics and Trade, Revenue, Resource Tenures and Engineering, and Aboriginal Affairs branches.

A Mountain Pine Beetle Emergency Response Team, under direction of a new Assistant Deputy Minister, was added in 2005/06 to co-ordinate government's response to the mountain pine beetle epidemic.

Corporate Services Division, provide overall co-ordination of policy development and support services to the entire ministry in the areas of financial services, human resources, information technology, and strategic policy and legislation development.

Appendix A7: Glossary of Terms.

Forests and Range Glossary

Allowable Annual Cut (AAC) — The rate of timber harvest permitted each year from a specified area of land, usually expressed as cubic metres of wood per year.

Animal Unit Months (AUMs) — The unit by which forage or grazing capability of Crown range land is measured. It is 450 kg of forage, which is the amount of forage required for one month by an average cow, aged 6 months or older.

Certification — The process of identifying forest products as those produced by organizations whose forest practices or management systems meet a set of defined voluntary certification standards, based upon independent assessments. Certification is intended to assure companies and consumers around the world that the forest products they purchase come from well-managed forests.

Criteria and Indicators — A criterion is a category of conditions or processes by which sustainable forest management may be assessed. An indicator is a measure of an aspect of the criterion. Those used in Canada are generally based on the Montreal Process initiated in 1994. This was an international meeting where criteria and indicators for the conservation and sustainable management of temperate and boreal forests were developed and agreed to internationally.

Discretionary Silviculture Activities — Silviculture activities that are not required by legislation. These may include backlog reforestation (areas harvested prior to 1987), reforestation activities on some areas burned by wildfire, and brushing, spacing, fertilizing and pruning.

Forest and Range Assets — All the forest and range resources on Crown land, including the water, soil, biodiversity, timber, forage, wildlife habitat, recreation, and scenic resources.

Forest Encroachment — Refers to the intrusion or establishment of a significant number of tress on grassland(s).

Forest Ingrowth — Refers to the process whereby previously open forest becomes more dense, and treed grasslands become more densely covered with young trees.

Forest Stand Management Fund — This account was originally established as a fund by the Forest Stand Management Fund Act, 1986, and was changed to a Special Account under the Special Accounts Appropriation and Control Act in 1988. Revenue is provided by contributions from municipalities, the forest industry, forest sector unions, and others through money collected in accordance with legislation; penalties levied in accordance with legislation; and from stumpage levies. Expenses provide for enhanced management of British Columbia's forest and rangelands, for silviculture work and costs related to environmental remediation, for the costs of investigating contravention of legislation, for fire suppression costs related to contraventions of legislation where a penalty has been levied in respect of the contravention, and for reforestation and road deactivation in areas subject to stumpage levies. No financing transactions are provided for under this account.

Key Outcomes and Indicators — Key outcome indicators, represent key results related to an organization's goals, but that are often not directly attributable to their business activities. Logic models are used to link outcomes to business activities. Because they measure societal, land base or stakeholder results or changes in conditions or behaviours, the accountability for these key outcomes and indicators cannot be solely attributed to the Ministry of Forests.

Provincial Forest Land-base — Crown land designated by the Forest Act (Section 5) as under the direct jurisdiction of the Ministry of Forests and Range. This is generally equivalent to the Crown land area in TFLs, Woodlot Licences, community forest agreements and TSAs (excluding vacant Crown land).

Provincial Forest Resources — Means the resource elements of water, soil, air, and biodiversity (genetic, species and ecosystem) and the resource values associated with provincial forests including, without limitation, timber, forage, wildlife, fish, botanical forest products, cultural heritage resources, visual quality, resource features, and recreation resources.

Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) — SFM, as defined by the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers is: "To maintain and enhance the long-term health of our forest ecosystems, for the benefit of all living things both nationally and globally, while providing for environmental, economic, social and cultural opportunities for the benefit of present and future generations."

Timber Supply Area (TSA) — Land designated under the Forest Act that is managed for sustainable timber harvest, as determined by an allowable annual cut. There are currently 37 TSAs in British Columbia.

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