Forest Practices Code Transition Larry Pedersen Chief Forester, MOF

Amendments to the FPC Agenda  Background  History of Transitional FPC  Why change now?  Principles for change  What is changing?  Role of Professionals  Impact on the BCFS  Rising to the challenge

Amendments to the FPC Introduction  Amendments to the current Forest Practices Code are effective this month  First step toward FRPA:  in Spring 2003  Excellent foundation for FRPA:  Dedication and hard work of government, industry, auditors and public watchdogs  High standards in forest practices in BC  Today’s discussion:  Amendments to the FPC (December 2002 to April 2005) Amendments to the FPC

Background  Forest Practices Code:  Became law in 1995  Governed planning & forest practices  Consolidated policies and practices across province into legal framework  Increased level of protection for environmental values  Increased public participation  Increased emphasis on planning

Amendments to the FPC Strengths of the FPC  More equitable treatment of licensees  Standards transparent to all  Increased public credibility  Based on current scientific knowledge/thinking

Amendments to the FPC Weaknesses of the FPC  Complexity  Lack of incentives  Industry’s inability to respond rapidly to market opportunities  Impact on harvesting costs  Key environmental provisions still not delivered (e.g. landscape level planning)

Amendments to the FPC Review other policy frameworks History of the Transitional FPC Code Review Committee KPMG Study on Costs Bill 47 Cost Driver Initiative 2001 Code Pilots

Amendments to the FPC Consultation Process May 1 st, 2002 July 25 th, 2002 Nov. 4th, 2002 Mid Dec Discussion Paper Released, Consultation Begins Dr. Hoberg releases report recommendations FSAA introduced to the house FSAA passed into Law Public Input Forest Statutes Amendment Act Drafted 1 st, 2 nd and 3 rd Reading Discussion Paper Developed History of Transitional FPC

Amendments to the FPC Transitional FPC  December 2002 to April 2005  Amendments to FPC  Transitional legislation  Takes effect this month  Provides transactional relief  Licensees move to FRPA by replacing FDP with FSP between April ‘03- April ’05  FRPA Regulations to follow early next year

Amendments to the FPC Why Change Now?  Move immediately in the direction of FRPA  Reduce costs and complexity  Ensure delivery is within the changing resource capacity of government  Introduce new efficiencies for industry by providing “freedom to manage” for results  Can continue to balance social, environmental and economic interests in FPC framework

Amendments to the FPC Principles  Must allow for innovation and creativity  Must limit constraints of law to where absolutely required to meet public interests - i.e don’t over-regulate or constrain freedoms with law  Legislative standards must be clear, precise and succinct  Must be enforceable  Must achieve an equivalent level of environmental stewardship

Amendments to the FPC Major Changes to FPC  Government will not approve site plans and minor amendments to FDPs  All FDPs currently in effect are extended to April 2005  Forest companies must meet new standards for all new site-level plans  Minor changes to approved plans must not affect intent of plan or other stakeholders  Results of site plans and minor amendments subject to C&E

Amendments to the FPC What Has Not Changed?  Compliance and Enforcement:  Administrative remedies will remain  Forest Practices Board’s role will remain  Forest Development Plans maintained  Continue to manage and protect all forest resources

Amendments to the FPC Amended Code and Professionals  Amended Code increases the reliance on resource professionals  Amended Code is not the right instrument for regulating professional conduct  Legislation governing resource professionals is being modernized

Amendments to the FPC Amended Code and Professionals - Continued  Which professionals to use?  Look to the FPC and Professional Acts  Signing and Sealing  Either specified in FPC (e.g. sign off during transition) or,  Look to Professional Acts and Bylaws  Role of Resource Management Professionals  See Companion Document 5

Amendments to the FPC What is the Impact on BCFS?  Changing roles and responsibilities  Compliance and Enforcement:  Continued and more focused role in protection and conservation of forest and range values  Effectiveness Evaluations:  Continued evaluation of outcomes against stated objectives in new Code  Increased science based assessments

Amendments to the FPC Rising to the Challenge  Letting go of traditional approaches  Accepting new roles  Monitoring trends and outcomes  Respond as needed  Keep implementation decisions simple and make it work

Amendments to the FPC Summary  Framework deliverable with changing staffing levels in government  Changes provide for early implementation of some of the features of FRPA  FRPA regulation work is ongoing and decisions on direction are not yet final  Solid foundation for moving ahead through the transition period

Amendments to the FPC End of Overview Presentation with Larry Pedersen