Input sought for new conservation area in BC's Great Bear Rainforest

The province is seeking input about a new proposed Special Forest Management Area (SFMA) in the Great Bear Rainforest.

In a release issued Monday afternoon, the province says the new SFMA would support regenerative forestry and conservation in the area.

It would include 7,865 hectares of forested land that would transition from commercial harvesting to being prioritized for conservation.

It would restrict commercial forestry operations.

The province is working with Kwiakah First Nation, which is seeking an active role in the long-term management of the area.

“The plan is to practise regenerative forestry, which the First Nation defines as non-commercial forestry intended to bring the forest back to its pre-industrial state,” the release says.

If approved, this would become the ninth SFMA within the Great Bear Rainforest, the province says.

People across the province have until April 5, 2024 to provide feedback and input.

According to the release, the Province and Kwiakah First Nation will use the information gathered to inform their decision making.

To participate in the engagement on this proposed Special Forest Management Area, click here.