Have Your Say on Land Use Objectives

A chance to help improve forest practices and support Indigenous Rights in British Columbia

Photo credit: Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship

The provincial Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship is asking the public to share thoughts on ways to improve forest biodiversity and Indigenous rights in select areas of the Sea to Sky region.

The proposed land use objectives are a part of the 2025 Squamish Nation Land Use Planning Agreement, and are aimed at improving forest stewardship within 33 cultural sites and six Special Cultural Management Areas in the region. The objectives address stewardship topics including the protection of cultural heritage areas, mature forests, large cedar trees and riparian and wetland areas.

All British Columbians are invited to share their thoughts as a written submission to SouthCoastLandUse@gov.bc.ca.

Howe Sound Biosphere (HSB) director Ruth Simons says her group is participating in this process "in the spirt of respect, collaboration and cooperation with the Squamish Nation". She says the HSB regularly shares information and data with the Squamish Nation, as well as seeking out engagement regarding biodiversity conservation projects, extending invitations to forums and workshops, and inviting their staff to participate in any monitoring projects.  

"The process is good practice for trusting collaboration and partnerships," says Simons. "We value the relationship and are committed to respecting the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples."

The Ministry says the legal objectives in this order will help shape future forest practices in the province.  

Simons calls this land agreement "historic" as it establishes clear guidelines for forest stewardship and protects Squamish Nation cultural sites. "There will be protections for thousands of hectares of land, including 33 new Síiyaḿiin (cultural sites), Sneẃiyelh (cultural training areas), areas for fish and wildlife monitoring, and establishing six Special Cultural Management Areas."

More information about the Land Use Objectives order, as well as details for how to make a submission can be found HERE.   The 60-day comment period closes on July 20.

The Watershed welcomes your thoughts.

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