US lumber interests are using BC's current tenure and stumpage systems as an excuse to deny us market access. We also need to set prices for at least some timber through a competitive bidding process, as opposed to a government-set stumpage fee. Having said that, it is not always necessary for companies to hold forest lands in fee simple. The basic requirement is some form of timber ownership that makes it possible to raise investment capital and to have ready access to markets . In considering this, it is important to recognize that when governments transfer lands or resources, they do not give the owners unfettered rights.
All forms of ownership come with attached obligations to protect the larger public interest.
Those obligations can vary to satisfy particular public needs. Environmental Benefits BC environmental groups are dedicated to the conservation of important forest ecosystems and to standards of forest management that protect critical environmental values. We believe the reforms we seek can help achieve those objectives. They will help advance environmental objectives by ensuring that British Columbia has a viable forest industry. Only a healthy industry can afford to increase its commitment to forest conservation and high standards of environmental management .