Private Managed Forest Land Program

Engagement Summary

The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (the ministry) conducted a review of the Private Managed Forest Land (PMFL) Program. The review was one of several policy reforms announced as part of the Coast Forest Sector Revitalization Initiative.

The review examined how well the PMFL Program is meeting its goals to:

• encourage private landowners to manage their lands for long-term forest production, and
• encourage sustainable forest management practices, including the protection of key public environmental values.

British Columbians in all regions of the province were invited to participate in the PMFL Program review engagement process. The ministry provided background information including how managed forest land is regulated, a history of the PMFL Program, benefits of the program and information regarding the engagement process and methods to participate.

Participants had two ways to provide input; they could complete an online questionnaire that was comprised of a combination of multiple-choice questions and comment responses, or they could also send a formal written submission of up to five pages. Many participants chose to do both.

To further communicate the engagement process, stimulate participation, and ensure stakeholders were equipped to provide well-informed input, the ministry also held 27 in-person information sessions with interested local governments and stakeholder groups.

Read the What We Heard Summary Report of the public comments received throughout the engagement.

Engagement Timeframe

May 28 to July 22, 2019

Input Received

• 27 in-person information sessions;
• 1,127 online feedback forms (containing 5,363 written comments); and
• 283 written submissions

All accepted written submissions that were not requested to be kept confidential can be found here.

Input leads to action:

Input received from this engagement process is an important part of the ministry’s review of the PMFL program. To determine where the program is most effective, and if improvements are needed, the ministry wishes to understand the different views and concerns of all British Columbians.

The feedback provided by British Columbians through this engagement will help to inform the government’s consideration of future policy options.