 |
|
|
PRINCE GEORGE – Effective April 1, 2005, the chief forester’s Standards for Seed Use will aid in the protection of B.C.’s tree gene resources.
Under the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA) and its regulations, the chief forester has the responsibility to set standards to maintain the identity, adaptability, diversity and productivity of B.C.’s tree gene resources. These standards will establish the rules governing the registration, storage, selection and transfer of tree seed used to reforest Crown land.
The new standards represent an updated consolidation of existing regulations, guidebooks and policies that were in place under the Forest Practices Code. They are also based on over 40 years of research in forest genetics and tree seed management.
The seed standards will apply to anyone who plants trees in establishing a free-growing stand under FRPA. This includes government and holders of timber tenures. They also apply to anyone wishing to register seed for Crown land reforestation.
The introduction of the standards builds on B.C.’s leadership in scientifically-based sustainable resource management. By law, all harvested lands must be reforested after logging, either through natural regeneration and/or planting. In B.C., 19 different native tree species are used in reforestation, none of which have been genetically modified or engineered. These policies, standards and practices ensure the biodiversity and adaptability of the province’s forests are maintained.
The ministry will offer training to those affected by the introduction of the seed standards in 2005. The standards are available at the ministry website at: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/code/cfstandards/ online. -30-
| ||||||||||||
