Provincial Forest Advisory Council launches website, engagement process

The Provincial Forest Advisory Council (PFAC or the council) has launched a new website where people in British Columbia can learn about the council's work and share their input about the future of forestry in B.C.

Announced in May 2025 by the Ministry of Forests, the council is an independent group of forestry experts tasked with developing recommendations for how to build a stronger, more stable forestry system that works for communities, the economy and the environment. The council's work will focus on understanding and articulating the underlying issues facing the forestry sector and the systematic changes required to facilitate an effective transition to a new forestry model in B.C.

"Through engagement with ministries across government, First Nations and targeted inquiries, we're closely examining the changing conditions of B.C.'s forests and the foundation on which our forestry sector has been built," said Shannon Janzen, Registered Professional Forester and co-chair of PFAC. "This includes reviewing systems and structures, while recognizing the broader legal and social landscapes that shape them. Through this work, the council aims to support B.C. in making a meaningful transition to a more resilient forestry system, one that reflects today's realities, encourages responsible investment and strengthens communities and the economy through sound stewardship."

The council is looking to gather well-rounded input that reflects both technical knowledge and community perspectives. This will be done by combining the council's deliberations with targeted conversations and reviewing informed submissions and materials from past processes, such as the Old Growth Strategic Review.

"Our work is based on the foundation that the economy and the environment are closely connected: a healthy environment supports a long-term healthy economy, and an unhealthy economy can lead to choices that create an unhealthy environment," said Garry Merkel, Registered Professional Forester and co-chair of PFAC. "The discussions we are undertaking are meant to provide the council with new ideas, identify barriers and share examples of new initiatives that could support the types of shifts needed in B.C.'s forest sector."

Phase 1 of targeted conversations with First Nations, subject-matter experts, industry and government ministries will continue until the end of September 2025. The council is seeking input on the following topics:

* the current state of B.C.'s forestry sector, including current infrastructure and the forestry sector's dependence on global markets;

* the vision and requirements for co-governance of land in B.C. with First Nations;

* how land-based regional planning and decision-making can be improved; and

* the vision and conditions for a viable and sustainable forestry-products economy.

The council's work and final recommendations will consider and be consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and support the evolution and implementation of the Old Growth Action Plan.

Visit the PFAC website to learn more about the council's approach to engagement, the topics being explored and how the general public can provide input. Submissions for Phase 1 will be open until the end of September 2025.

The council will provide an interim report to the Province in fall 2025, followed by a final report with recommendations to be delivered by the end of 2025. The Province has committed to make the reports public within 45 days after being received from the council.