This section describes ministry programs in general terms, noting major achievements since 1984. The primary goal of the Harvesting Program is to make timber available to the forest industry at approved rates of harvest. The approved rate of harvest on regulated lands, or allowable annual cut, available for sale under the program is determined by the chief forester and apportioned by the Minister of Forests to various licensing categories set out in the Forest Act . Harvesting rights are granted through the ministry s licensing system. The Harvesting Program has four functional areas.
Engineering is responsible for maintaining an effective and efficient forest access network.
Property Services acquires the land base for Forest Service roads and sites to ensure legal, unhindered access or use for the ministry s Harvesting, Silviculture, Protection, Recreation and Research Programs. Staff approve harvesting plans and monitor harvesting activities to ensure compliance with provisions endorsed at all planning levels. Valuation ensures that the Crown receives a fair return from the harvesting of its timber and that the stumpage burden is equitably distributed among licensees. Staff administer policy and procedures related to measurement and assessment, and billing for timber harvested on Crown land. The ministry s Research Program provides technical advice and scientific knowledge to help guide forestry policy, resolve forest management issues and create a sound ecological basis for resource management.