Forests are one of the iconic symbols of British Columbia, and successive governments and companies operating here have largely focussed on the cheap, commodity lumber business that benefits industry. Former provincial forestry minister Bob Williams, who has been involved with the industry for five decades, proposes regional management of this valuable natural resource to benefit the public forests and the surrounding communities that depend upon them for economic benefits and jobs.
In Restoring Forestry in BC: The story of the industry’s decline and the case for regional management, Williams calls on the Province to create a BC Forest Charter to ensure a provincial vision, sustainability principles, standards and goals, and a Forester General to work with regional foresters on local land planning processes. He also looks to Sweden as a country where forests are managed in a scientific manner for the public interest over the long term.