An order banning commercial logging in parts of the Central Coast, British Columbia, has been extended by the provincial goverment until June 30, 2004.
The order covers 20 candidate protection areas and 17 option regions along the Central Coast (also known as the Great Bear Rainforest). It will ensure up to one million hectares remain protected until the Central Coast land and resource management planning process is completed.
The planning process is one of three separate government-led initiatives representing the province’s ongoing commitment to manage resources on the basis of sound science and stakeholder input. It is also part of the Coast Sustainability Strategy – a scheme to define and implement ecosystem-based forest management.
Final recommendations are expected to be submitted to the provinical government by December 31 this year.
