VICTORIA – The BC Forest Practices Board has released its 2023-26 Strategic Plan, setting new priorities for advancing the public interest in forest and range practices in B.C. The plan reaffirms the board’s mission and purpose statements, but includes new values and priorities in recognition of the changing landscape in British Columbia. “Forest management is undergoing a transformation in B.C.,” said Keith Atkinson, chair, Forest Practices Board. “The priorities in our new strategic plan reflect the diversity of values provided by forests and the collaboration required to sustain them.”

Strategic priorities in the 2023-26 plan include:

• encouraging forest and range policies and practices adapted to the effects of climate change and supporting ecological resilience, including conservation of biodiversity and wildlife habitat.
• supporting the inclusion and engagement of Indigenous Peoples in forest and range stewardship;
• growing and maintaining a professional team; and
• increasing the awareness and impact of the Forest Practices Board’s work.