A new online tool related to forestry development has been unveiled by the province.
The new Forest Operations Map portal will act as an online resource for the public to review and comment on proposed cut blocks and forestry roads throughout B.C.
It is one part of the amendments made to the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA) to improve forest and range operational planning and practices.
The portal is expected to allow greater public input on forestry activities, as well as transparency about forestry proposals within the province and what those proposed activities would entail, including roads, mapped areas of harvest and estimated time of harvest.
Under the new system, the public can submit comments online.
Forest Operations Maps must include the following elements:
* a map that includes general geographic area with the approximate location of proposed cutblocks and roads;
* approximate periods during which timber harvesting or road construction is intended to take place;
* identification of the Forest Stewardship Plan holder who prepared the map; and
* identification of the Forest Stewardship Plan to which the map pertains.
Previously, the public primarily learned about proposed cutblocks and roads in the local newspaper or in-person at district forestry offices, and then submitted comments by email or regular mail.
While those options will still be available, participating forestry companies can post projects through the portal.