The provincial government is inviting public comments on a new report that recommends short- and long-term actions to protect B.C.'s species at risk. Developed by an independent, 10-member task force, the report was released July 4 by Environment Minister Terry Lake.
"The task force has done a remarkable job of balancing diverse perspectives, reaching consensus and setting out a vision for the decade ahead," said Lake in a news release. "The issues around species at risk are critically important and also highly complex, and that's why the province is inviting public comments and closely reviewing the recommendations to help determine future steps."
The task force was announced in the August 2009 speech from the throne.
Members were chosen for their experience and/or expertise in a wide range of sectors, including environmental protection, mining, ranching, academia, resource management and partnerships with First Nations to create a small but balanced group of well-respected individuals.
The report makes 16 recommendations addressing legislation, environmental management, First Nations engagement and public engagement. Many build on actions and directions already underway.
For example, the "one window, one process" approach co-ordinated by the
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations provides an opportunity to more consistently consider species at risk in natural resource decision-making. Similarly, recent resource sector shifts to integrated, area-based management align with task force recommendations for ecosystem-based management, and recommendations relating to First Nations are consistent with the principles in the Province's New Relationship document.
"We were asked to develop practical and fiscally responsible recommendations," said task force chair Bruce Fraser. "Accordingly, we have elected to build on the many conservation initiatives that have already been accomplished. Our report is aimed at making early gains on both public and private land while proposing direction for the long term that will help to address the continuing pressures of development and climate change."
The province will study the report in detail over the next several months before delivering a formal response. In the meantime, British Columbians are encouraged to read and comment on the task force report through the Ministry of Environment website.
As government formulates its plan, all feedback received will be valued and the implications on all interests will be fully considered.
Read and comment on the task force report and recommendations at:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/sartaskforce/.
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