The series contains miscellaneous administrative records from the Ministry of Environment (2005) and its predecessors.
The records document the history, mission and strategic priorities of the ministry and its branches as well as its organizational structures over the years. This includes the reorganization of the Planning and Assessment Branch. Furthermore, as part of a submission to the Enquiry B.C referral service, the records also contain presentations introducing the work of the ministry.

Some of the records in this series pertain to committees or ministerial meetings that deal directly with some sort of aspect of administration. For example, the Integrated Management Committee files located in this series show how the committee was formed and lay out its administrative organization. These records are classified under ARCS 102-20 Administration - Ministry meetings.

Other records in the series include those detailing the meetings between program and regional directors for all programs supported by the Ministry of Environment. These records include agenda items, minutes, summaries of goals and objectives and a review of activities.

The series also contains a Policy Log that assembles a list of memos relating to new policies put in place across the ministry and its branches. A collection of communications plans relates to how the ministry informed staff, the public and special interests groups about the new Bill 50 (Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act). The records include memos from FOI coordinators as well as correspondence and information kits meant to summarize changes to information requests.

The series include three 'transition resources books' which were created for directors in charge of announcing the new divisional and branch/regional structure phases to their employees. This restructuring was announced by the ministry in 1996. The briefing books include updated organizational charts, functions, logistics and action plans, employee letter templates, employee lists and minutes from conference calls with the Deputy Minister and meetings with the Senior Management Committee. Several more organizational charts, histories and agreements are included that focus on the transfer of functions of the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks (MELP) to either the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, the Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management and the Ministry of Fisheries. As the Resource Inventory Branch and Aquatic Information Branch were transferred from MELP to the Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management, several early documents pertaining to the management of Pacific salmon are included in this series which includes working group files, stock assessments, and discussion papers. This also includes some legal files related to First Nations fishing rights.

A few administrative records stemming from the Environmental Protection Office are also included in this series. Files classified under ARCS 747 - Firearms includes a list of requests to authorize ministry employees to carry and use firearms as part of their work. These requests include the name of the employee, the purposes of their firearm (e.g. personal safety while working in bear country, collection of wildlife specimens, destroy injured wildlife, wilderness survival, scare wildlife, immobilization), description of the firearm (e.g. make/model), authorization signatures and on occasions, a short description written by the application regarding their experience and training in handling firearms. The applications are accompanied by the written policy on firearms.

Additionally, there are Ombudsman investigations files dealing with a dispute for fines issued under the Waste Management Act.

The item is a copy of a thesis on microfiche, by Michael Doherty titled "An angel on the shoulder: the political influence of the Sierra Club in British Columbia."

164 p.: figs, maps. Thesis (M.A.), Carleton University, 1986. Bibliography: p 156-164.

The item consists of a composite print of a film reel of television commercials from 1975 and 1976. It includes two 60-second television spots promoting B.C. Hydro. The first, "Environmental Resources," profiles the work of Hydro's Environmental Resources Department. The second, "Sunrise," is a general spot promoting the reliability of Hydro's service, and emphasizing the need to use energy wisely.

Item consists of one audio cassette of public hearings relating to uranium mining. The location of the recording is not known, however community hearings were held in the southern interior of British Columbia.

Item consists of one audio cassette (tape 2) of public hearings relating to uranium mining. The location of the recording is not known, however community hearings were held in the southern interior of British Columbia.

This series consists of land and resource management committee files and executive records from the Cariboo Region, 1990-1998. Records relate to a variety of environmental and land use issues in the Cariboo Chilcotin area, including: wildlife management, water, use of range land, Taseko Mines proposal, fishing, land and resource management plans (LRMPs) and the development and implementation of the Cariboo Chilcotin Land Use Plan. Records include correspondence, reports, minutes, reference material and briefing notes.

Executive records include referral replies, files of reference material and some files regarding specific issues and projects involving the Minister and other Executives.

Records include minutes and other operational records of several different committees. Most records are from the Cariboo Regional Interagency Management Committee and Commission on Resources and Environment (CORE). There are also related files from the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Resource Board, Cariboo Chilcotin Land Use Committee and meeting files from various regional mangers and executive groups.

Files may include consultations with and comments from community groups, resource users and First Nations regarding the development of management plans, land use and environmental issues.

Records have been selected for permanent retention and are scheduled under Administrative Records Classification numbers 204-20, 280-30 and 102-20.

The series consists of records relating to original research, analysis, and reporting on compliance, enforcement, and human-wildlife conflict management activities performed by the Conservation Officer Service, as established under the Environmental Management Act (SBC 2003, c. 53). Some of the topics covered include bears and orphaned bear cubs, no shooting areas, and ear tags for problem animals such a cougars and black and grizzly bears. The records document the effectiveness of specific control method techniques and the types and severity of human-wildlife conflicts in BC. They were created by the Ministry of Environment and its predecessors between 1984 and 2010.
The records are arranged by subject. They include reports, correspondence, questionnaires, procedure manuals, meeting materials, memoranda, and presentations. The records are classified as final reports, statistics, and reviews (31000-10) under the Conservation Officer Services ORCS (201311), 2017. They are also assigned an internal file code.

The series consists of the major investigation case files of the Conservation Officer Service. These records document the major investigative work of Conservation Officers, who are Special Provincial Constables under the Police Act (RSBC 1996, c. 367) in BC. They are trained and authorized to investigate complaints and incidents and to charge offenders. The records relate to investigating and enforcing suspected cases of noncompliance with the following federal acts and related regulations, which currently fall under the Conservation Officer Service (COS) mandate: Canada Shipping Act, 2001 (SC 2001, c. 26), Criminal Code (RSC 1985, c. C-46), Fisheries Act (RSC 1985, c. F-14), Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 (SC 1994, c. 22), Species at Risk Act (SC 2002, c. 29), Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (SC 1992, c. 52) and the following provincial acts and related regulations: Creston Valley Wildlife Act (RSBC 1996, c. 84), Dike Maintenance Act (RSBC 1996, c. 95), Ecological Reserve Act (RSBC 1996, c.103), Environmental Assessment Act (SBC 2002, c. 43), Environmental Management Act (SBC 2003, c. 53), Firearm Act (RSBC 1996, c. 145), Fish Inspection Act (RSBC 1996, c. 148), Fisheries Act (RSBC 1996, c. 149), Forest Act (RSBC 1996, c. 157), Forest and Range Practices Act (SBC 2002, c. 69), Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act (RSBC 1996, c. 159), Integrated Pest Management Act (SBC 2003, c. 58), Land Act (RSBC 1996, c. 245), Liquor Control and Licensing Act (RSBC 1996, c. 267), Motor Vehicle Act (RSBC 1996, c. 318), Offence Act (RSBC 1996, c. 338), Off-Road Vehicle Act (SBC 2014, c. 5), Park Act (RSBC 1996, c. 344), Transport of Dangerous Goods Act (RSBC 1996, c. 458), Riparian Areas Protection Act (SBC 1997, c. 21), Trespass Act (RSBC 1996, c. 462), Water Protection Act (RSBC 1996, c. 484), Water Users' Communities Act (RSBC 1996, c. 483), portions of the Wildfire Act (SBC 2004, c. 31), and the Wildlife Act (RSBC 1996, c. 488). Major cases are serious in nature and address complex issues such as trafficking animal parts, big-game poaching, illegal fishing or guiding, or selling animals for human consumption that are procured illegally. These case are high profile, and may draw intense media and political attention. They include those that: are multi-jurisdictional and involve other levels of government and/or other jurisdictions; may involve elements of organized crime, and violations that fall outside the mandate of the COS; require specialized investigation techniques such as surveillance, canvassing, covert operations, and the use of Judicial Applications such as search warrants, tracking warrants, and Part 6 warrants; require the systematic collection, organization, and evaluation of large amounts of information and electronic data; and relate to serious forest crimes including arson, mischief, fraud and theft of natural resources. These records were created by the Conservation Officer Service part of the Enforcement program of the Ministry of the Environment and its predecessors, 1992-2007.

Major investigation case files are organized by case number, and for special investigations, by project name. A major case includes a variety of record types such as routing sheets, investigation documents, notes, dedicated major case notebooks, court documents (e.g., search warrants, subpoenas, arrest warrants and Crown Counsel disclosure packages, reports (e.g., final, subject, exhibit, expert, briefing, etc.), enforcement action records (e.g., tickets, warnings and orders), photographs, audio-visual records, ledgers, logs, statements, plans, approvals, correspondence, and supporting documentation)). These records are classified as major investigation cases (31010-40) under the Conservation Officer Service ORCS, 2017.

This series consists of policy records developed by the Conservation Officer Service to support its core operational functions and activities: compliance and enforcement of federal and provincial natural resource law and human wildlife conflict management. The records were created by the Conservation Officer Service, part of the Enforcement program of the Ministry of Environment and its predecessors under the Environmental Management Act (SBC 2003, c. 53) between 1980-2012. They consist of final/approved policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines relating to environmental protection, fish and wildlife management, and public safety in the province of BC.
The records are arranged by category, then by policy name/section. They consist of correspondence, memoranda, final policy documents, reports, copies of occurrence reports, investigations, and copies of legislation. These records are classified as final policy documents (31000-00) under the Conservation Officer Service ORCS (schedule 201311), 2017. They are also assigned an internal filing code.

This series contains records from the Conservation Service Office, part of the Enforcement program of the Ministry of Environment and its predecessors. The series contains records related to the image/identity of the service, such as details on the establishment of their service flag, commemoration medals and motto. There are also records related to Conservation Officer job descriptions and job training which includes manuals and/or instructions related to writing reports, conducting investigations and handling firearms. The series also covers information related to special sections under the Enforcement program for commercial and industrial investigations.

The series consists of final reports summarizing wildlife attacks on humans created by the Conservation Officer Service, part of the Enforcement program of the Ministry of Environment and its predecessors under the Environmental Management Act (SBC 2003, c. 53) between 1991--2012. The final reports cover the response and related activities of the Conservation Officer Service (COS) to human-wildlife conflicts that pose a threat to public safety (e.g., wildlife attacks, repeated dangerous wildlife encounters at or near public locations, situations where dangerous wildlife has become habituated or food conditioned and now represents a risk to public safety, and livestock-large predator conflicts) in BC. COS also responds to certain cases of injured or dead wildlife (e.g., large carnivores or ungulates). The records document the investigation and outcome of wildlife attacks that threaten human safety and may result in human fatality or serious injury. They illustrate the evolution of wildlife attack investigative technique, causes of wildlife attacks, and methods used to dispatch wildlife. They may be used to inform wildlife conflict reduction strategies, policies and procedures, and educational materials developed by COS.

The records are arranged by geographic area and type of animal attack. They consist of memoranda and reports containing copies of photos, news clippings, memoranda, correspondence, case summaries, and exhibit materials. The records are classified by an internal filing code and ORCS classification 31040-14 (wildlife attack final reports) under the Conservation Officer Service ORCS (schedule 201311).

The item is a videocassette of an industrial video from 1996. It shows the environmental impact of the Vancouver Island Highway Project construction on Craigflower Creek.

This series consists of records created by the Ministry of the Environment, the Department of Environment and their predecessors departments, such as the Department of Lands, Forests and Water Resources. The majority of the records were created from 1970-1977.

Records relate to department administration, organization charts, reorganization, pollution control, water resources services and the agricultural land reserve.

The records relate to all functions of the Department of Environment. This includes, but is not limited to, the creation and management of the Department of the Environment; managing protected areas; hunting; trapping and traplines; guide outfitters; fishing; Indigenous hunting and land rights; wildlife management, including wolf control; game farming; fish farms and aquaculture; water rights and management; Ministry centralization and reorganization; the establishment of the Environmental Lab; conservation and habitat management; water rights and water licences; flood prevention and mitigation; the creation and management of dams and dykes; land use; pollution, including air, chemical, solid waste and sewage; waste management, including landfills and sewage systems; coal mining; pesticides and herbicides; conservation officers, including enforcement and prosecutions; the drafting of legislation and orders-in-council; flood claims, control and prevention; and surveys and mapping.

Records include correspondence from the public and within government, briefing notes, meeting minutes, minister's speeches, Cabinet submissions, Treasury Board submissions, reports, agreements, legislation, agreements, policies, procedures, maps and photos.

The records were created by the following executive:

Ray Gillis Williston, Minister of Lands, Forests and Water Resources, 1962-1972
Robert Arthur Williams, Minister of Lands, Forests and Water Resources, 1972-1975
James Arthur Nielson, Minister of Environment, 1975-1978
Kenneth Rafe Mair, Minister, 1978-1979
Charles Stephen Rogers, Minister, 1979-1983

Ben E Marr, Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM), Water Resources, 1973-1975
Ben E Marr, Deputy Minister, 1974-1987
Allan Murray, ADM Conservation, 1978-1979
V Raudsepp, DM, Water Resources, 1970-1973
GE Simmons, ADM, Water Resources, 1975
GE Simmons, ADM, Water and Air, 1976
GE Simmons, ADM, Environmental and Engineering, 1977-1978
GE Simmons, ADM, Environmental Management, 1979-1981
WN Venables, ADM Environmental Protection, 1979
Ed H Vernon, ADM, Conservation, 1974-1978

This series contains records relating to assessing the environmental, economic, social, cultural, heritage and health impacts of energy projects under the Environmental Assessment Act. These records were created and kept by the Environment Assessment Office (EAO) that is involved in the entire process, providing advice and recommendations to the proponent.

The records in this series cover initial enquiries, reviewable and non-reviewable project enquiries. A non-reviewable project means that the proposed project may proceed without an environmental review. A project is determined to be non-reviewable if it does not meet or exceed the thresholds defined in the Reviewable Projects Regulation (B.C. Reg. 370/2002). Also, according to the Act (s. 10(1)(b)), a project which meets or exceeds these thresholds may also be deemed non-reviewable at the executive director’s discretion. Non-reviewable projects may also become reviewable if the proponent voluntarily asks for an environmental assessment (i.e., “opts in”) and the executive director agrees (s. 7) or if the minister deems the project to be reviewable.

All other projects which meet or exceed the thresholds are reviewable. For reviewable projects, terms of reference are created by the proponent, in consultation with the review agencies, in order to ensure that the application will contain the necessary information. Reports and studies are typically created by the proponent in order to fulfil the requirements of the Terms of Reference, but they may also be created by any other involved party at any stage in the review process. The application for an Environmental Assessment Certificate (EAC) is then submitted by the proponent and once the application meets the EAO’s standards, the formal review process begins. Application review includes: review by government agencies, First Nations, and the public; First Nation and public consultation; a formal public comment period; and opportunities for the proponent to respond to issues raised.

After the application review is complete, EAO staff prepare an Assessment Report for the minister, which documents the findings of the environmental assessment, including the issues raised in relation to the project and how these issues have been or could be addressed. The environmental assessment process concludes when a) The minister approves the EAC and the project proceeds, b) The minister rejects the project, c) The minister decides that no assessment is required, or d) The proponent withdraws the project. An EAC (previously known as a Project Approval Certificate [PAC]) may contain conditions to ensure that necessary mitigative and compensatory measures are in place to prevent or reduce any adverse effects of the project.

The records in this series document the business case for proposed projects, provide initial information to determine if projects meet the reviewable threshold or not, and documents the EAO ruling on whether or not the project is reviewable. Types of records that can be found in this series are certificates of public convenience and necessity, lists of options, applications for project approval certificates, memorandum, letters of intent for cooperation agreements (such as between a First Nations group and the proponent), correspondence, information notes, executive summaries of decisions, project descriptions, lists of environmental concerns (issue summaries), minutes of information presentation meetings, maps of proposed sites and a diverse range of reports and studies. Types of projects that appear in this series include natural gas pipelines, wind turbines, substation redevelopments, electric transmission systems, coal powered plants, hydroelectricity dams and others.

The records from accession 95-4252 and 95-5291 are classified under the Environmental Assessment Operational Records Classification System (Schedule 132564) and cover the following primary number:
30050: reviewable enquiries and projects – energy
And the following secondary numbers:
-05: non-reviewable energy project enquiries
-40: pre-application reviewable enquiry case files

The series consists of administrative records from the Enforcement and Environmental Emergencies Branch (and later the Enforcement Program) of the Ministry of Environment and its predecessors. Specifically, these records relate to committees of the ministry which worked in collaboration with or required the input of the Enforcement Program.

Within these files are records relating to the following committees or groups: States/British Columbia Oil Spill Task Force, Emergency Towing System Task Force, Forest Practices Code Steering Committee, Enforcement Corporate Committee, Enforcement Training Committee, Marine Spills Coordinating Committee, Spill Reporting Committee, Poaching Committee, Bear Human Conflict Committee, Municipal Sewage Regulations Implementation Committee, Compliance Committee, Conservation Office Service Management Team, Fish Hydro Committee, Forest Tech Working Group, and the Inter-Agency Enforcement Committee. The records are valuable in that they document the ministry’s responsibilities, preparation and response to environmental emergencies and violations of ministry legislation and regulations.
A large amount of these committees were created to evaluate different programs in the ministry. For example, the purpose of the Oil Spill Task Force was to examine marine oil spill prevention, response initiations and to make recommendations. This was an international endeavor with the participation of British Columbia and the states of Alaska, Washington, Oregon and California. The records document the progression of talks between participants on the subject.
The Corporate Committee records include their discussions regarding an Environment, Lands and Parks agenda for BC that would outline the priorities of the ministry while the Enforcement Evaluation Steering Committee records discuss how to evaluate the enforcement function ministry-wide. The committees’ records discussing administrative and prosecutorial enforcement activities aimed at protecting the environment, the public and property by encouraging compliance with ministry legislation and regulations, punishing offenders or deterring potential offenders and increasing public awareness. There are also records outlining initiatives to update training and equipment for conservation officers.
The types of records found in the series include meeting minutes, memos, news releases, correspondence, agenda, draft policy reports, risk analysis, conference papers, news clippings, proposals, presentations, studies, notes, financial estimates, reference material and publications. The following final reports are included in the records: Alternative Response Technologies - In Situ Burning and dispersants; Drills and Exercises - Recommendations to Prevent Marine Oil Spills Caused by Human Error; Oiled Wildlife Care Facilities; Dedicated Rescue Tug; Spill Reporting and Notification Alternatives in BC, among others.
The records are arranged according to ARCS Schedule 100001, primary 200 and secondary 20: Committees, General.

This series contains various cabinet committees and working groups representing environmental issues. These particular files were kept by the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. The committees were made to advise the Deputy Minister and Minister on important environmental issues to bring to Cabinet. Currently, the majority of the records pertain to the Green Economy Initiative for which there was a Deputy Minister’s Committee and a Working Group. This Initiative worked on boosting the province’s economy using eco-friendly innovation and investments into green companies. A smaller portion of the files belong to the Forest Renewal BC Environment Committee which worked on a terrestrial ecosystem restoration program.
The records of these committees typically contain agenda, presentations, summary reports, appointment letters and accompanying materials for discussion meetings. The series also contains minister’s briefing books for the Green Economy Initiative as well as a cabinet submission form for reducing gas emissions. There is also a file with government’s policy on security for Cabinet documents.

The item is a microfiche copy of a thesis by James M. Mackenzie titled "Environmental management of coastal forests in British Columbia: an ecolegal analysis." 1976. iv, 159 leaves. Thesis (LL.M.), University of British Columbia, 1977. Vita. Bibliography: leaves 130-135. Canadian theses on microfiche, 32521.

The series consists of films and footage that depict Tommy and Marion Walker's guiding-outfitting operation at Cold Fish Lake, and the flora, fauna and scenery of the surrounding Spatsizi Plateau. This material documents the operating seasons of 1957 to 1968; events and activities at Cold Fish Lake Camp; the TW Ranch at Hyland Post; packtrains; hunting and fishing trips; the local wildlife; the Walker's annual journeys in and out of the region by horse, floatplane, and automobile; and their winter home at Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island. Early films were made by Walker as publicity for his guide outfitting business and later films were made to show around the Province in his (eventually successful) attempts to have the Spatzizi designated a park.

The series consists of records created by the Game Commission (1948-1957) and the Fish and Game Branch (1957-1966). The series contains subject files relating to hunting accidents, firearms safety training, the transfer of the headquarters office from Vancouver to Victoria, wildlife management, private shooting areas, game fish culture, river and stream pollution and obstructions, water licences, and parks. The records relate to a wide variety of topics such as habitat protection, pollution, the impacts of resource extraction projects, impacts of recreation activities, wildlife management and fisheries management across the province.

The series also includes the personal monthly duty diaries of a conservation officer.

This series consists of correspondence created or received by various employees in the Department of Fish and Wildlife from 1969-1979. This includes correspondence inwards and outwards from the Minister of the Department of Recreation and Conservation, who led the Branch at this time. The majority of the records are correspondence files, often referred to as flimsies. There are also a variety of subject files kept by the Deputy Minister and Assistant Deputy Minister. The records relate to a wide variety of topics such as habitat protection, pollution, the impacts of resource extraction projects, impacts of recreation activities, wildlife management, policy development, legislation, intergovernmental projects, fisheries management, the Mair Report, and the McCarthy Hearing or Paish Affair.

The series includes correspondence to and or from the following individuals: William K. Kiernan and Jack Radford, Minister of Recreation and Conservation; Director of Fish and Wildlife Branch; D.J. Robinson, Assistant Director, Management and Development; D.M. Galbraith, G.D. Taylor, and M.R. Whatley, Fish Habitat Improvement; E.H. Vernon, Chief of Fisheries Improvement; R.C. Thomas, Fisheries Management; I.L. Wither and C.J. Bull, Fish Habitat protection; D. Demarchi, D.R. Halladay and W.A. McKay, Wildlife Biologist; RAH Sparrow, Biologist; JG Terpenning, Superintendent of Hatcheries; K.R.D. Mundy, Assistant Chief of Wildlife Management; and W.G. Smith, Chief of Wildlife Management. Many other individuals may be included in the records, as many of the records are convenience copies sent to other executives as a reference. The minister's correspondence files may include letters written to or from other executives, such as the Deputy Minister.

Records also include memos and subject files used by particular employees. Correspondence files may include reports, maps and other enclosures. Correspondence referral replies are generally letters sent to the Minister or other executives and forwarded to other relevant employees for an answer. Many of these letters are from members of the public raising concerns over environmental issues such as pollution or industrial activities.

The series also include statistical summary sheets showing the number and types of licences (hunting, fishing, etc.) issued in each Agency from 1966-1969.

The series consists of records created by the Fish and Wildlife Branch between 1966 and 1978. The records include subject files relating to game, wildlife and fisheries management and conservation, environmental protection and habitat improvement; the administration of fish and game laws, ecological and scientific investigations, pollution, pesticides, and protection of stream and river habitat, predator control and outdoor recreation.

The files consist of correspondence, annual reports and memoranda.

The series consists of records created by the Game Commission (1920-1957), the Fish and Game Branch (1957-1966), and the Fish and Wildlife Branch (1966-1977) relating to game, wildlife and fisheries management and conservation; environmental protection and habitat improvement; the administration of fish, trapping, and game laws; ecological and scientific investigations; water license applications and stream obstruction reports; flood control, pollution and protection of stream and river habitat; predator and rodent control; hunting, sports fisheries, outdoor recreation, and parks; Branch policy and administration.

The files contain correspondence, annual reports, manuals, memoranda and special reports and include correspondence with conservation and environmental groups, fish and game clubs, professional organizations of conservation officers, and other agencies of government.

The series also includes a subject file index (see box 2) and an index of orders-in-council relating to game enforcement, 1885-1968; hatchery records of the Cultus Lake, Smith Falls, and Lloyds Creek hatcheries of the Fish Culture Service, administered by the Canada Dept. of Marine and Fisheries (1920-1938) and the B.C. Came Commission (1938-1949).

This series consists of the meeting files of the Forest Practices Board from 1995 to 2010. Records describe the establishment and ongoing operations of the Board. Meetings may regard policy, audits, complaint investigations, reviews, appeals, special investigations, and special reports, and other matters related to the Board’s mandate under the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act. Meetings took place in person and as conference calls.

Records include correspondence, memoranda, agendas and minutes. Files may also contain copies of reports and other records referenced in the meetings, including copies of decisions and arguments, status reports on open complaints, investigation reports, briefing notes and policies. Some of these records may be copies of those in GR-3674.

These records are scheduled under the Forest Practices ORCs (schedule 131791) number 97050-20.

This series consists of special investigation case files created by the Forest Practices Board from 2002-2011. Special investigations are initiated by the Forest Practices Board. The Board annually identifies issues of major public importance and of high significance for public confidence in the management of the province's public forests. Issues may relate to practices that have resulted in many complaints or for matters of larger public interest and concern. These issues may arise from prevailing environmental conditions such as major forest fires or insect infestations; from public concerns such as conserving endangered species or protecting community watersheds; or from technical issues such as the management of roads and bridges or riparian areas. The records document matters of significant public interest that may not be addressed through another complaint investigation or an audit.

Investigations may involve field investigations, research, and liaison with relevant Forest Districts and other stakeholders. Many records in this series are likely copies of records created by Ministry of Forests officials which were collected during the course of the investigation.

Investigations may relate to a specific area, or issues that are more widespread throughout the province. Subjects of special investigation include: free growing, biodiversity, terrain stability and landslides, post fire site rehabilitation, Forest Service Road (FSR) maintenance, compliance with section 86 of the Forest Planning and Practices Regulation, soil conservation, high retention harvesting, fish passage at stream crossings, Oil and Gas Commission ALR Agreement Audit, fire hazard assessment and abatement, compliance inspections and management data, species at risk on the Sunshine Coast, establishment of conservation areas for old growth and wildlife habitat in the Squamish and Chilliwack Forest Districts, effect of range practices on grasslands, and Little Lamb Creek.

Record types Include reports, statistics, correspondence, photographs, maps, plans, press releases, reference and research materials related to the creation of reports, briefing notes, and terms of reference outlining the scope of the investigation.

Files are arranged by subject. These records are covered by ORCS number 97325-20 in the Forest Practices Board schedule (number 131791).

This series consists of special reporting case files created by the Forest Practices Board from 2001-2007. Special reports relate to the Forest Practices Board's overall duties or a particular case investigated by the Forest Practices Board. The Chair of the Forest Practices Board makes the decision to issue a special report if it is determined to be in the public interest or if an in-depth special investigation is not required. Special reports may focus on audits, compliance investigations, reviews and appeals, or other matters relating to forest practices.

The largest amount of material regards the creation of a report titled “A results based assessment of range practices under the Forest Practices Code in maintaining riparian values”. This related to a range riparian special project in Penticton, Kamloops, Cranbrook and Horsefly. The project assessed the effectiveness of range use planning in maintaining riparian and wildlife habitat using a field based assessment of ecological health in several areas to determine gaps and areas that could be better managed by the Forest Practices Code. It includes range, stream, lake and wetland assessment cards recorded in the field; cut block assessments; charts; photos; maps; correspondence; and copies of related range use plans.

Other reports relate to: water quality objectives; protection of domestic water under the Forest Practice Code; marbled murrelet habitat management; Kemess south mine powerline right of way; Caribou; non-timber forest products; road access management; forest health and wildfires; post fire hazard assessment; forest stewardship plans; and protecting karst in coastal BC.

Files may include copies of drafts of final reports as well as records used in the creation of reports. Record types include reports and studies, statistics, correspondence, reference material, photos, maps, meeting minutes and field notes.

The files are arranged numerically by case tracking number. These records are covered by ORCS number 97350-20 in the Forest Practices Board schedule (number 131791).

The series consists of the case files of the Forest Practices Board with regard to its main function of acting as an independent watchdog to ensure compliance with sound forest and range practices. The case files involve the investigation of complaints and concerns relating to: forest practices; planning, including forest stewardship plans, site plans and woodlot licence plans; range plans and practices; protection of resources, including recreation; and industry compliance and government enforcement of the Forest and Range Practice Act and the Forest Practices Board Regulation.

Each case file consists of an investigation of a complaint from a member of the public, organization, etc. These investigations culminate in a report consisting of a discussion of the investigation background, its findings, conclusions and recommendations.

The files are arranged and titled according to the case involved, normally based on a geographic name.

Record types include correspondence, complaint notices, investigation summaries and final reports, "field reviews," auditors' field notes of observations, reports such as compliance audits, minutes of board panel meetings, on-site photographs, maps, and plans such as woodlot plans and forest development plans.

The records include a very large number of compact discs, and a small number of 3.5 inch floppy discs, VHS tapes and 8mm cassette video tapes. The contents of the compact discs includes digital files of letters, memos, emails, faxes, reports, power point presentations, photographs, mp3 recordings such as interviews, and video footage as mp4 files.

These records are scheduled as 97250-20 in the Forest Practices Board ORCS (schedule 131791).

The series consists of administrative and operational records which document the functions and activities of the British Columbia Round Table on the Environment and the Economy, created by the provincial government in 1990.

These records document the appointment, development, and setting-up of the Round Table and its committees/core groups, policy, procedures, and membership. The records were used to develop and support strategies, provide program research information, support programs of the Round Table, and develop policy recommendations to government.

Record types include correspondence and memoranda, discussion papers and reports (and working papers and drafts of these), meeting agendas, minutes, summaries of Round Table meetings and committee meetings, conference materials, submissions from individuals and groups, student essays, cabinet submissions, Treasury Board submissions, the organization’s newsletter, development files for a public education video program, annual reports, and news releases. Records include briefing notes and speech notes, particularly those of the chairperson the Round Table. Some budget records as well as routine administrative records were retained in the series.

The series consists of records that document the meetings of the Round Table sub-committees and “core groups,” such as the Monitoring Committee, Community Involvement Committee, Public Understanding and Education Core Group, Dispute Resolution Core Group and Local Round Table Task Force. These records provide evidence of the Round Table fulfilling its mandate to heighten the public’s understanding of sustainability, and to develop a sustainable development strategy for the province.

The series also consists of submissions and comments from stakeholders and the public, which were solicited by the Round Table through a series of formal and informal sessions at workshops and public forums held around the province. These include written submissions, summaries of oral presentations, and comments and feedback sheets. These records provide evidence of the systematic and extensive public consultation strategy employed by the Round Table and the organization’s efforts to encourage public input and participation.

These records also have significant historical value as they reflect public and industry sentiments toward the concept of sustainable development in the early 1990s. These opinions later became the basis for the preparation of one of the most important publications by the Round Table: "Towards a Strategy for Sustainability."

The series also consists of the cabinet submission from the British Columbia Task Force on Environment and Economy regarding its recommendation to establish the Round Table, as wells as other records of the Task Force that the Round Table inherited. These records have significant evidential and historical value.

The series also consists of records created by the British Columbia Task Force on Environment and Economy, which were inherited by the Round Table. These include the cabinet submission by the Task Force which included its recommendation to establish the Round Table. These records have significant evidential and historical value.

Where it is clear which office and officers maintained certain files, they have been arranged according to that office of origin. For example, some records are identified as those of the chairperson, the executive director, directors of the core groups, the public information officer, and the financial officer. Other records were grouped by project or topic, for example, the Clayoquot Sound Sustainable Development Task Force.

No Operational Records Classification System (ORCS) was developed for the BC Round Table on the Environment and the Economy. All of the organization’s operational records were classified under related secondaries in the Administrative Records Classification System (ARCS, 1993 edition).

The item is a print of a promotional film from 1974, apparently produced for continuous screenings in a B.C. Hydro display at the Pacific National Exhibition. It contains an overview of BC Hydro efforts to meet the growing demand for electrical power. Includes footage of: construction at the Peace River project and Mica dam powerhouse; public beaches on Arrow reservoir; ecological projects such as Creston wildfowl sanctuary and Meadow Creek spawning channel; overland and undersea transmission lines; Kootenay Canal dam site and Burrard Thermal station. Much of the same footage appears in "Power and People".

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Ken Willson's impressions of Canada (Rockies and Queen Charlotte Islands) as compared with England RECORDED: [location unknown], 1967 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Ken Willson speaks about his initial impressions of the Queen Charlotte Islands. He discusses the natural landscape, British conservation policies, British preservation societies, methods of ;conservation, causalities of the Industrial Revolution, and a comparison to Canada. [TRACK 2: blank.]

The item is an audio recording of an interview with Kenneth Kiernan.

T2665:0001 track 1: Born in 1916 in the Peace River country of Alberta. Details about Kiernan's family and homesteading. Father killed in WW I; mother remarries and they continue to farm. Left Peace River country in 1927. After several stops, settled on a farm at Sumas Prairie. More details about Kiernan's family. Tough economic conditions in the Peace River district. Kiernan's education and work history to 1935. Ends formal education after grade 8. Reading habits as a young man.
Track 2: Took correspondence courses from the Canadian Legion. Leisure activities as a youth: Trail Rangers and basketball. Delivered newspapers in Chilliwack area. "Rode the rods" to the Prairies in 1935. Economic struggles of Alberta and Saskatchewan, 1935-37. Returned to B.C. on the rods in October 1937. Anecdotes about riding the rods.

T2665:0002 track 1: Continuation of anecdote about riding the rods, 1935-37. Marginal economic circumstances of the Kiernan family during the Depression. Worked in Fraser Valley mills. Contracted pneumonia. Worked for Eddy's Nurseries, 1937-40. Joined the New Westminster Regiment, 1940. Interested in Social Credit in Alberta, 1935-37, but not a member. Read works of Marx but rejected them in the 1930s. Critique of Marx and of Canadian economic system in the 1930s.
Track 2: Kiernan in motorized corps in Canada, 1940-46. Eventually became a Warrant Officer II. Not able to go overseas because of previous pneumonia. Comments on military discipline. Kiernan into business as a garage operator near Chilliwack, 1946. Flooded out in 1948.

T2665:0003 track 1: Kiernan describes his experiences in being flooded out during the 1948 flood of Fraser River. Description of his return to the flooded home and service station. Becomes president of local PTA in 1950. Joined Social Credit in 1951. Comments on the Coalition government. Comments on Coalition/Liberal Premier Boss Johnson and Conservative leader Herbert Anscomb.
Track 2: Kiernan becomes very active as a Social Credit organizer, 1951-52. Kiernan takes 1952 Social Credit nomination. Organizational details about Social Credit in Chilliwack. Early meetings emphasized monetary reform. The "Christian image" of Social Credit. The importance of individualism in Social Credit. General discussion of political philosophy. Liberals and Conservatives unaware of the upsurge of Social Credit in Chilliwack. Circumstances under which Kiernan took 1952 nomination. Defeated sitting Conservative Leslie Eyres. Key roles of Alberta Socreds in 1952 election.

T2665:0004 tracj 1: The importance of W.A.C. Bennett in the 1952 election. Kiernan says Alberta influence was minimal ca. 1952. 1952 Social Credit convention. Ernest Hansell as 1952 campaign leader. Bennett disillusioned with Conservatives. Kiernan sometimes "scared" by the vision of W.A.C. Bennett in things such as the two-river policy. Kiernan gives a sample of his 1952 election style.
Track 2: Kiernan's experiences as a public speaker. The hard work of political campaigning. Description of Social Credit cabinet meetings. Kiernan's recollections of election night in 1952. Kiernan went to visit Bennett in Kelowna shortly after 1952 election. The decision is made to have W.A.C. Bennett as political leader, July 1952.

T2665:0005 track 1: Kiernan is selected to be Agriculture Minister in the first Social Credit government. Anecdotes about becoming government. Comments on the Bennett style of leadership. The formation of the first cabinet. Kiernan speculates on the reasons for his selection as Minister of Agriculture. Comments on communist scare tactics used against the C.C.F. Socialist economic planning inappropriate for B.C. Problems with the dairy industry were the first big problems faced by Kiernan in the Agriculture portfolio.
Track 2: The transition to power: early cabinet meetings, help from senior civil servants. Cabinet procedures. The selection of Robert Bonner and Einar Gunderson. Rev. H.D. Francis and Orr Newton resign in order to provide seats. Kiernan downplays the notion that the senior civil service opposed the new government. The firing of Percy Richards. Hospital insurance reforms after the 1952 election. Alternatives to hospital insurance proposed.

T2665:0006 track 1: Facing the problem of hospital insurance after the 1952 election. Building the cabinet team, 1952-53. Discussion of the 1953 session of the Legislature. Socreds maneuvering for defeat? Bennett sure of dissolution? The legislative defeat of Social Credit and the unusual passage of bills prior to dissolution. The "atmosphere" in the House at the time of the 1953 defeat. The resignation of Harold Winch as C.C.F. leader. The 1953 election.
Track 2: Discussion of the 1953 election continued. The defeat of Tilly Rolston and Einar Gunderson. Their importance as cabinet ministers. Gunderson as a member of the Treasury Board. The election of John Perdue as president of the Social Credit League. Issues within the Department of Agriculture: brucellosis control, irrigation, hay shortages. Comments on W.H. Robertson and William McGillivray as Kiernan's deputy ministers.

T2665:0007 Track 1: Kiernan gives background to the Sommers affair. Comments on Gordon Gibson Sr. The "money talks" speech, February 1955. Gibson's charges not substantiated by the Lord Commission. Gibson's charges treated with great skepticism. Kiernan did not see the RCMP report to the Attorney-General's Department. The government has private investigator investigate the charges against Sommers. Sommers a known gambler to Kiernan.
Track 2: More on Sommers' gambling. No pressure from ministers on Bennett to fire Sommers. Sommers called on to account for the allegations by cabinet and caucus. Sommers consistent in his denials. Circumstances surrounding the resignation of Bonner. Kiernan becomes Minister of Mines.

T2665:0008 track 1: Death of Tilly Rolston, 1953. Discussion of Sommers case, continued. Opposition to Forest Management Licences. Sommers' resignation and Kiernan takes over the Mines portfolio, 1956. Robert Bonner and delays in the case. Comments on Mel Bryan who crossed the floor on the Sommers case. More on the delays. Sommers case harms Social Credit government. Kiernan expresses doubts about the guilt and illegal intentions of Sommers. Case did not affect timing of 1956 election. Not aware of Sommers' cabinet contact.
Track 2: No suggestion of impropriety by Sommers in the Mines portfolio. Gifts to cabinet ministers. Sommers investigated by private detective. Kiernan's general observations on the Sommers case. "Politics is war". Kiernan Minister of Mines and Petroleum Resources, 1956-64. The challenge of taking over a new portfolio. Comments on Deputy Ministers of Mines: John Walker, P.J. Mulcahy. The framing of new petroleum legislation. Comments on the B.C. petroleum and gas industry.

T2665:0009 track 1: The development of oil and natural gas leasing systems. Development of the Peace River region. The building of Westcoast Transmission pipeline. Description of Frank McMahon. Comments on foreign ownership of petroleum and natural gas resources. Description of the auction of oil and natural gas leases.
Track 2: The auction system continued. Frank McMahon in the 1960 election. Anecdotes about some B.C. mining executives: Ozzie McDonald, Spud Huestis, Mel O'Brien. The opening of Bethlehem Copper Corporation mine in the Highland Valley. Changes in mining taxation and land tenure systems, c. 1957. Problems of establishing an iron and steel industry in B.C. Vehement industry opposition to changes in mining legislation.

T2665:0010 track 1: Major problems faced as mines minister: taxation legislation, departmental expansion, mine safety. Dispute with federal government over offshore mineral rights. "Political" decision by the Supreme Court of Canada on this issue. The reclamation of mining sites. Kiernan expresses his opposition to the idea of company towns. Taxation on profits vs. royalties in the mining industry. Kiernan concerned about "penny mines" on the Vancouver Stock Exchange. Track 2: The formation of the Department of Recreation and Conservation, 1957. Kiernan becomes Minister of Recreation and Conservation, 1963. Anomalies in the classification of provincial parks. Mineral claims and timber leases in provincial parks. The case of Western Mines in Strathcona Park. The role of pressure groups in the Buttle Lake controversy. Preparation for his new portfolio of Recreation and Conservation. General comments on park development in B.C.

T2665:0011 Track 1: Skepticism about the idea of wilderness preservation. The illogic of some park boundaries. The changing of the boundary of Manning Park to facilitate mining. Kiernan's ideas on the multiple use concept. Kiernan's impressions of the B.C. Wildlife Federation, SPEC, Sierra Club. The role of the Sierra Club in the boundary determinations for Pacific Rim National Park.
Track 2: More on the Sierra Club of B.C. W.A.C. Bennett's attitudes on park matters. Public access on forestry roads. The formation of the Environment and Land Use Committee (ELUC) in 1969. Comments on the operation of ELUC and the Secretariat. ELUC originally a problem-solver rather than policy-maker. Comments on a few specific issues dealt with by ELUC. Kiernan not convinced of the concept of a single Minister of the Environment. Williston as chairman of ELUC. Land use questions more practical than moral or ethical. "Nature the adversary". The evolution of environmental attitudes in B.C. The minister as an arbitrator of attitudes.

T2665:0012 track 1: Kiernan's efforts to curb the excesses of the "throw-away" society. The Anti-Litter Act. The recycling of derelict automobiles. Deputy Ministers of Recreation and Conservation: Dave Turner, H.G. McWilliams, Lloyd Brooks. Comments on the proposed flooding of the Skagit River Valley. Opposition by the fishing lobby. Benefits of flood control on the Fraser River.
Track 2: Flood control on the Fraser River continued. More comments on the fishing lobby. The benefits of fish versus the benefits of hydro power and flood control. Short term as Minister of Commercial Transport, 1963-64. Minister of Travel Industry, 1967-1972. The formation of the department, 1967. Ron Worley as Deputy Minister of the Travel Industry department. British Columbia tourist promotions. Comments on "The Wonderful World of W.A.C. Bennett". Kiernan's comments on our political society. Comments on the role of socialism in B.C. B.C. still in the frontier stage. General comments on the NDP caucus prior to 1972. Analysis of the B.C. economy. The need for new hydro electric power developments in B.C.