BC’s Special Committee on Timber Supply is holding public meetings in Williams Lake and Quesnel next week, and if you’re concerned about the future of our forests and the forest industry then this is a great opportunity to have your say.
The committee was formed earlier this year in response to the mid-term timber supply shortage, and the MLAs on the committee are working on a report to provide “recommendations that could increase timber supply.” They’ve been touring the province to find out what British Columbians think about the options being considered, and their report will be released on Aug.15. The committee is looking for feedback about the principles that should guide government attempts to mitigate the timber supply shortage (such as lifting harvesting constraints or harvesting marginally economic timber); how these decisions should be made, and by whom; local issues that you think should be considered; and advice about “whether and how” to mitigate the timber supply shortage. You can find additional background information about the committee on my website at www.bobsimpsonmla.ca/timber-supply-committee. The committee will be in Williams Lake on Thursday, July 5, from 4 to 9p.m., at the Pioneer Complex, Room B #118, 351 Hodgson Rd. The committee will be in Quesnel on Friday, July 6, from 8 a.m. to 1p.m., in the Atrium at the College of New Caledonia.
If you’d like to make a presentation at either meeting, you can call 1-877-428-8337, or send an e-mail to timbercommittee@leg.bc.ca. You can also make a written submission before July 20 — details are on my website. The committee is coming to Williams Lake and Quesnel to talk about the future of your forests and your community, and I will be attending both meetings to listen to what you have to say. Please take the time to participate in this important discussion.
Bob Simpson is the Independent MLA for Cariboo North.