Public Advisory Groups

This is over and above legislated opportunities for public involvement in operational planning through the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA). These Groups are also essential to maintaining our voluntary certification for Sustainable Forest Management. The Public Advisory Groups play an important role in developing and monitoring our annual Sustainable Forest Management Plans (SFMP). Each Group meets at least twice a year to ensure the SFMP includes informed, inclusive, and meaningful consultation with the local people who are directly affected by or have an interest in our forestry practices.

MEMBERS

Public Advisory Group members are non-paid volunteers, who represent the diverse range of interests within the Defined Forest Area (DFA), such as local government, business, recreation, the environment, education, and other priorities specific to each DFA. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact us for further information.

SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT

Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) strives to maintain and enhance the long term health of forest ecosystems, while providing ecological, economic, social and cultural opportunities for the benefit of present and future generations.

The SFM Plan is prepared to support Western’s commitment to sustainable forest management, and aligns with existing planning, including TFL Management and Stewardship Plans.

INDICATOR AND RESULTS REPORTING

A review of the SFM requirements is completed annually as part of Western’s Environmental Management System Management Review process. The review considers all aspects of the SFM process, including the SFMP Plan, annual results, the public participation process, audit findings and corrective/preventative action plans. The indicator results are presented to the Public Advisory Group for review in the spring/summer of each year.

ADVISORY GROUPS