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Archival description
Only top-level descriptions Forest management--British Columbia
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Dominion timber marks register

  • GR-1501
  • Series
  • 1949-1954

The series consists of a timber mark register created by the Canadian Department of the Interior from 1949-1954.

Canada. Department of the Interior

Dominion timber berth licenses

  • GR-1500
  • Series
  • 1931-1951

The series consists of Dominion Lands Branch timber berth licenses created by the Canadian Department of the Interior from 1931 to 1951.

Canada. Department of the Interior

Forest licence cutting permits from the Dawson Creek Forest District

  • GR-3683
  • Series
  • 1971-1992

The series consists of cutting permits for forest licences and timber sale harvesting licences. The records were created by both the Chetwynd Field Office and the Dawson Creek Forest District. These offices were part of the Prince George Forest Region. Each office maintained their own files and, in most cases, both files have been retained.

The ministry created multiple files for administering the permit process. These include a central file as well as individual files for each cut block. Since this series also contains files from two offices, there are often duplicate central and block files for each permit. Both are numbered identically but they are differentiated by the acronyms CFO for the Chetwynd office and DDC for the Dawson Creek office.

All files contain a variety of correspondence, reports, maps, and forms. The central file is split into two parts. The first part contains a copy of the cutting permit, final harvesting reports, permit extension documentation, and stumpage fees. The second part contains preliminary inspections by Forest Service staff, appraisal analysis documentation and correspondence.

The ministries responsible for creating these records, and the years that they were responsible, are:

British Columbia. Ministry of Forests (1988-1992)
British Columbia. Ministry of Forests and Lands (1986-1988)
British Columbia. Ministry of Forests (1976-1986)
British Columbia. Dept. of Forests (1975-1976)
British Columbia. Dept. of Lands, Forests and Water Resources (1971-1975)

The records were classified as 19500-45 in the Forest Operational Classification System (ORCS).

British Columbia. Dept. of Lands, Forests and Water Resources

Timber licenses and other material

  • GR-0511
  • Series
  • 1959

Typescript of statistical information corrected to Dec. 31, 1959, including timber licences, list of holders; record of pulp licences; list of active licence timber berths; record of pulp leases.

British Columbia. Forest Service

Spruce permit files

  • GR-0939
  • Series
  • 1918-1919

This series consists of Forest Branch Spruce Permit files, numbers 1-330 and unnumbered.

British Columbia. Forest Branch

Forest Branch executive records

  • GR-0948
  • Series
  • 1915-1920

This series consists of Chief Forester reports, memoranda and correspondence with B.C. Lumber Commissioner regarding timber marketing and export policy; semi-official correspondence with District Foresters of Vancouver and Cranbrook Forest Districts; and preliminary report on grazing of livestock on Crown lands.

British Columbia. Forest Branch

Timber Inspector reports

  • GR-0949
  • Series
  • 1911-1913

This series consists of Timber Inspector reports to Minister of Lands and Chief Forester, March 1911 to December 1912.

British Columbia. Forest Branch

Haida Gwaii Forest District public meeting records

  • GR-3908
  • Series
  • 1995-2001

This series consists of public meeting records of the Haida Gwaii Forest District, 1995-2001. These are records relating to the efforts of the Ministry of Forests to involve the public in the process of planning for the future uses of Provincial Forest resources.

All records regard the Islands Stability Community Initiative (ISCI) Community forestry issues meetings. This group included a variety of community members and assisted in the planning of the utilization of forestry resources on Haida Gwaii. Records include meeting minutes, newspaper clippings, resumes, agendas and correspondence.

This series is classified under ORCS number 12080-20 of the Ministry of Forests schedule (881261).

British Columbia. Haida Gwaii Forest District

Timber investigations files

  • GR-0946
  • Series
  • 1913-1915

This series consists of Forest Branch timber investigations and inspections files, 1913-1915. Records include correspondence and reports from Nelson, Prince Rupert, Vancouver and Vernon Forest Districts. Includes file on early logging railroads, Vancouver Forest District.

British Columbia. Forest Branch

Special use permits

  • GR-3582
  • Series
  • 1889-2011

This series consists of special use permit files relating to forest lands. The Forest Branch, and its successor agencies, approved these permits to give municipalities, companies and individuals the authority to use Crown forest land for a variety of land uses. Some of the permitted uses include logging, recreation, agriculture, fisheries and housing.

The records date from 1889-2011 and were created and maintained by the Victoria Forest Office. The records deal with all regions of the province. The records are arranged by special use permit number which consists of the prefix S, or SUP, and a sequential number. Note that this order may not be exact, particularly for later records.

The files contain copies of the permit, applications for a permit, correspondence, sketches and maps of the area covered by the permit, receipts for the lease payments, reports, and clearance forms. Some documents in the file have been stamped with 6-7 digit correspondence register numbers and references to the “O” lands file number.

The ministry maintained a register and index that provides additional information for each file. This index listed the following information: file number, district, forest, applicant/holder, function, location, atlas reference, date received, date cleared and comments. Although the original registers have not been transferred to the archives, the ministry provided the archives with scans of the registers.

There were multiple government offices responsible for managing these records between 1931 and 1992.

The following ministries and offices were responsible for the creation of these records:
1931-1945 Forest Branch (1931-1945)
1945-1979 Forest Service (1945-1979)
1979-1986 Ministry of Forests (1979-1986)
1986-1988 Ministry of Forests and Lands (1986-1988)
1988-2005 Ministry of Forests (1988-2005)
2005-2010 Ministry of Forests and Range (2005-2010)
2010-2011 Ministry of Forests, Mines and Lands (2010-2011)

The records have been classified as 19570-25 of the Forests ORCS (schedule 881261).

British Columbia. Ministry of Forests, Mines and Lands

100 Mile House Forest District operational records

  • GR-3932
  • Series
  • 1970-2005

This series consists of resource management plans and procedures from the 100 Mile House Forest District, 1970-2005. The 100 Mile House Forest District is part of the Cariboo Forest Region. Note that their exact boundaries may have changed over the years.

The majority of files relate to the development of Integrated Resource Use Plans which are designed to resolve resource use conflicts in specific areas at the local level. Each file includes records relating to data concerning a specific area - usually a watershed or other distinct resource management unit. Types of plans include Resource Folios, Coordinated Access Management Plans (CAMP), Coordinated Resource Management Plans (CRMP) and Integrated Watershed Management Plans (IWMP). Files may include correspondence, reports, maps, photos, meeting minutes, community and indigenous consultation, and a variety of other records which may document the creation of plans, the annual review of plans by stakeholders, and the execution of the plan.

Procedure files relate to timber harvesting, silviculture treatments, stumpage rates, trespass, timber sale licences and harvesting weight scales. There is also a file related to road damage and an access study for English Lake.

The ministries responsible for the Forest and Range Districts, and the years that they were responsible, are:

British Columbia. Dept. of Forests (1975-1976)
British Columbia. Ministry of Forests (1976-1986)
British Columbia. Ministry of Forests and Lands (1986-1988)
British Columbia. Ministry of Forests (1988-2005)

Records are classified under numbers 11200-08, 11050-20, 12600-25, 12600-30, 12600-35, 12600-40 and 12600-60 in the Forest Operational Records Classification System (ORCS). Procedure files are classified with the secondary -02.

British Columbia. 100 Mile House Forest District

Correspondence files with regard to Crown lands

  • GR-1440
  • Series
  • 1872-1918

This series contains correspondence files relating to the administration, management, conservation, and development of Crown Lands and natural resources.

British Columbia. Lands Branch

Prince Rupert Forest Region forest tenure records

  • GR-4001
  • Series
  • 1968-1980

This series consists of records related to forest tenures from the Prince Rupert Forest Region, 1968-1980. It had been previously known as the Prince Rupert Forest District. The Prince Rupert Forest Region has included a variety of different Ranger Districts or smaller Forest Districts over time. The records in this series relate to the Burns Lake Ranger Office, South Bank Ranger Office and Lakes Forest District (near Ootsa Lake or the Nechako Reservoir). Note that the names and boundaries of districts and regions varied over the years.

These records include the following types of forest tenures: cutting permits, timber sale harvesting licences, timber sale licences and special use permits. Each file relates to one forest tenure.

The records regard the issuance, evaluation, administration, monitoring, planning, replacement, cancellation and extension of forest tenures. Many of the records consist of waste assessments, logging inspections and maps. There is also correspondence, permits, licences and other operational and legal records.

The ministries responsible for Forest and Range Districts, and the years that they were responsible, are:
Ministry of Forests (1976-1986)
Dept. of Forests (1975-1976)
Dept. of Lands, Forests and Water Resources (1962-1975)

These records were created before the implementation of ORCS, but have been retroactively scheduled under ORCS number 19500-45 of the Ministry of Forests schedule (881261).

British Columbia. Prince Rupert Forest District

Haida Gwaii Forest District studies

  • GR-3907
  • Series
  • 1979-2003; predominant 1990-2003

This series consists of reports and studies created as part of the planning of forest resources, often as part of planning timber sale areas (TSAs). Most files were created between 1990 and 2003. Most reports are prepared by private contractors hired by the Ministry. Culturally modified tree (CMT) reports were conducted by the Haida Nation.

Files are arranged in the order received by the Archives. Most files relate to studies done for a particular TSA or other area. Files may include additional types of reports related to the same area, even if not specifically listed in the file title, or a similar type of report for multiple locations.

The series contains studies such as: terrain stability assessments, reconnaissance studies, wildlife surveys or studies, culturally modified tree surveys, site plans, stream classification, hydrology studies, geological studies and engineering reports for site access construction projects.

Many files are layout studies which plan how an area will be used, including, cut block boundaries, harvest method, access routes, site plans, silviculture prescriptions and impacts on nearby bodies of water.

There are also reports utilized in the Haida Land and Resource Planning program (LRMP) process; these files include documents regarding creation of reports and background information used in workshops and consultation.

Records include final reports, photos, aerial photos, maps, correspondence, statistics, field notes, tables, land profiles, and floppy disks containing electronic records. One file contained a sample of tree cores.

This series is classified under ORCS number 12090-20, 12440-25, 18920-30 and 19400-20 of the Ministry of Forests schedule (881261).

British Columbia. Haida Gwaii Forest District

Subject files from the Port Alberni Forest District

  • GR-3696
  • Series
  • 1956-1981

The series consists of subject files from the Port Alberni Forest District. These files were created as part of the regular activities of the district office and include both operational and administrative files. The majority of files relate to tree farm licences (TFL) although there are also a few files that relate to log salvage, Cascara bark use, and water licences.

The series contains correspondence, circulars, reports, maps and ledger sheets. The files are arranged by their classification number. The files classified as 870-3 relate to tree farm licences. These consist of the vast majority of files in this series. The 860 files consist of permit and licence applications.

The majority of the TFL files relate to the administration of tree farm licences 20 and 21 which are located in the Clayoquot area of BC. The correspondence with the licensee deals with administration and management of the TFL. This includes issues with the licence, amendments to the licence, the stumpage rates, amendments to the licence, future cutting plans, includes copies of the licence and subsequent amendments. Some of the material in the files duplicate the material in the main TFL series of GR-3659.

There is information relating to stumpage rates. There are many letters from the ministry to licensees about rates. The series also contains ledgers that were used to calculate the stumpage fees. The administration and policy files contain documentation about how the ledgers functioned.

The ministries that were responsible for these records are:
1956-1962 Dept. of Lands and Forests
1962-1975 Dept. of Lands, Forests and Water Resources
1975-1976 Dept. of Forests
1976-1981 Ministry of Forests

British Columbia. Port Alberni Forest District

Forest Practices Board meeting files

  • GR-4002
  • Series
  • 1995-2010

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.

British Columbia. Forest Practices Board

Forest Practices Board special investigation case files

  • GR-4010
  • Series
  • 2002-2011

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).

British Columbia. Forest Practices Board

Kootenay Lake Forest District timber tenure records

  • GR-4015
  • Series
  • 1976-1992

This series consists of timber tenures from the Kootenay Lake Forest District from 1976-1992. Some early records may have been created by the Nelson, Creston and Kaslo Forest Ranger.

Forest tenures in this series include non-replaceable timber sale licence cutting permits. Records regard the application, issuance, maintenance, administration, monitoring and cancellation of these tenures pursuant to the Forest Act.

Record types include legal documents such as permits and licences, correspondence, appraisals, stumpage rates and maps.

Records in this series are covered under ORCS numbers 19620-25 and 19620-45 in the Ministry of Forests records schedule (number 881261).

The ministries responsible for the creation of these records, and the years that they were responsible, are:

British Columbia. Ministry of Forests (1976-1986)
British Columbia. Ministry of Forests and Lands (1986-1988)
British Columbia. Ministry of Forests (1988-2005)

British Columbia. Kootenay Lake Forest District

Tree farm licence annual reports

  • GR-3636
  • Series
  • 1951-1999

This series consists of annual reports submitted by the holders of tree farm licences. Each tree farm licence requires the licensee to submit an annual report. The licensee must report on:

  1. their performance over the previous calendar year in relation to its management of the licence area and their obligations under the licence,
  2. their success in meeting their management objectives, including all employment and economic activities,
  3. the processing or other use or disposition of the timber harvested under the licence, and,
  4. their goals and major initiatives for the next calendar year.

The series is arranged annually by the tree farm licence number. The reports have been placed in file folders which, in some cases, also contain copies of correspondence between ministry staff, and/or the Licensee and references to the applicable “0” lands file. Some of the reports contain attached photographs to provide additional information.

The following ministries and departments were responsible for managing this function:

1951-1962 Dept. of Lands and Forests
1962-1975 Dept. of Lands, Forests and Water Resources
1975-1976 Dept. of Forests (1975-1976)
1976-1986 Ministry of Forests
1986-1988 Ministry of Forests and Lands
1988-1999 Ministry of Forests

The series has been classified as 19700-60 in the Forests Operational Classification System (ORCS).

British Columbia. Dept. of Lands and Forests

Okanagan Shuswap Forest District silviculture records

  • GR-4006
  • Series
  • 1962-1994

This series consists of silviculture openings from the Okanagan Shuswap Forest District and its predecessors from 1962-1994. This series may contain records created by the Salmon Arm Forest District, Penticton Forest District and Vernon Forest District in the Kamloops Forest Region. These districts (or parts of them) were amalgamated to form the Okanagan Shuswap Forest District in 2003.

The Ministry of Forests defines silviculture as “the art and science of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health, and quality of forests and woodlands to meet the diverse needs and values of landowners and society on a sustainable basis.”

Most files consist of silviculture opening records which document the historical silviculture treatment work that has been undertaken on specific areas of land that are referred to as openings. These files regard changes in the forest cover, changes in prescriptions, cut boundaries, changes in site prescriptions and records involving impacts on silvicultural treatments.

Files may contain a wide variety of record formats including textual records, photographs and maps. The textual records include computer printouts, photocopies, cards, reports and correspondence. Other types of records include prescription documents, which provide the management plan for the area; stand tending descriptions and reports, which show completed forest treatments; traverse sheets, which provide location information; planting reports; final harvesting reports; surveys; site plans; and inspection reports.

Opening files are arranged in several numerically ordered groups by a classification number. The first part of that number (ex. 82E097) corresponds with the National Topographic System location codes and the second part of the number consists of a sequential three digit number applied to each file.

Ministries responsible for the creation of this series, and their dates of the responsibility, are:

Dept. of Lands and Forests 1945-1962
Dept. of Lands, Forests and Water Resources 1962-1975
Dept. of Forests 1975-1976
Ministry of Forests 1976-1986
Ministry of Forests and Lands 1986-1988
Ministry of Forests 1988-2005

Classified as 18750-20 in the Forests Operational Records Classification System (ORCS).

British Columbia. Okanagan Shuswap Forest District

Okanagan Shuswap Forest District operational records

  • GR-3911
  • Series
  • 1987-2011

This series consists of operational records of the Okanagan Shuswap Forest District and its predecessors, 1987-2011. This series may contain records created by the Salmon Arm Forest District, Penticton Forest District and Vernon Forest District in the Kamloops Forest Region. These districts (or parts of them) were amalgamated to form the Okanagan Shuswap Forest District in 2003.

Records primarily relate to resource management, silviculture audits, appeals and procedures.

Resource management related records regard integrated resource planning guidelines, geomorphology studies, fish inventory reports, stream classification studies, watershed research projects, community watershed policies, pesticide application reports and a local resource use plan (LRUP) for Cherryville. Records include correspondence, briefing notes, manuals, forms and reports.

Silviculture audit and assessment files audit the processes and status of timber cut blocks to ensure foresters are keeping sites clean, following rules and complying with their silviculture obligations. Major licencees’ files can include multiple assessment forms for different cut blocks. Records can include pre-harvest silviculture prescription regulation checklists, pre-harvest silviculture prescriptions, correspondence, Forest Practice Board audit and investigation records for specific timber sale licenses (TSLs), and compliance reports for soil conservation, regeneration, and free growing obligations.

Appeal records include a few files from the Timber Harvesting Appeal Board, appeals to the Chief Forester and pricing appeals to the Regional Manager. Records can include procedures, decisions and correspondence.

Procedure and policy files regard residue and waste measurement, forest revenue inspector investigations, utilization, timber harvesting, billing, accounts receivable, pricing, silviculture compliance, silviculture, timber sale licences, district evaluation, protection, fuel management, fires, aviation management, trespass, collection management, timber export, waste management, scaling, compliance, tree farm licences, soil degradation, hydrology, geomorphology, research, visual resource management and forest planning. Records include correspondence, briefing notes, manuals, forms, reports, reference materials and training materials.

The ministries responsible for the Forest and Range Districts, and the years that they were responsible, are:

British Columbia. Ministry of Forests and Lands (1986-1988)
British Columbia. Ministry of Forests (1988-2005)
British Columbia. Ministry of Forests and Range (2005-2010)

This series is classified under ORCS numbers, 12210-30, 19910-20, 17370-25, 17370-40, 12605-20, 18360-60, 18765-20, 18765-30, 19020-40, 19020-30, 21680-20 and 14680-40 of the Ministry of Forests schedule (881261). Procedures and policy files end with the secondary numbers "-00" and "-02".

British Columbia. Okanagan Shuswap Forest District

Northern Interior Forest Region silviculture records

  • GR-3916
  • Series
  • 1973-2009

This series consists of silviculture experiments and audit records from the Northern Interior Forest Region, 1973-2009. The Northern Interior Forest Region was created with the amalgamation of the Prince George Forest Region and Prince Rupert Forest Region in 2003. The region has included a variety of different forest districts. Records may regard the following Forest Districts: Cassiar, Dawson Creek, Fort Nelson, Fort St. John, Fort St. James, Kalum, Kispiox, Mackenzie, Morice, Prince George, Quesnel, Robson Valley, and Vanderhoof. Note that the names and boundaries of districts and regions varied over the years.

The Ministry of Forests defines silviculture as “the art and science of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health, and quality of forests and woodlands to meet the diverse needs and values of landowners and society on a sustainable basis.”

Silviculture (SX) experiment files regard trials completed under the jurisdiction of the silviculture program. Includes records detailing all silviculture trials conducted, working plans, results, evaluations, reports, models, copies of articles, maps, data, photos, slides, field notes and video tapes.

Silviculture audit and assessment files regard the audits and assessments made by the Ministry to ensure basic silviculture is carried out in accordance with regulations and approved silviculture prescriptions detailed in the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act. Audits evaluate whether or not there has been compliance with the regulations, the silviculture prescriptions are suitable, and there is acceptable progress towards achievement of silviculture objectives in the approved silviculture prescription. Silviculture prescription audits are carried out on areas under both major licences and areas under the Small Business Forest Enterprise Program (SBFEP) with approved silviculture prescriptions. Major licence audits relate to the operations of a specific company identified in the file title. SBFEP audits will include multiple operations in a particular district; these are identified in the files by timber sale licence (or other tenure type) number. Records can include correspondence, inspection forms, reports, and compliance reports for soil conservation, regeneration, free growing obligations, slides, photos and video tapes.

The series also includes some additional records related to silviculture such as openings, stock surveys and planting information. Related procedures may be included in this series or GR-3918.

The ministries responsible for the Forest and Range Districts, and the years that they were responsible, are:

British Columbia. Ministry of Forests (1976-1986)
British Columbia. Ministry of Forests and Lands (1986-1988)
British Columbia. Ministry of Forests (1988-2005)
British Columbia. Ministry of Forests and Range (2005-2010)

This series is classified under ORCS numbers 18765-20,18765-30, 18990-20 and 18990-30 of the Ministry of Forests schedule (881261).

British Columbia. Prince George Forest Region

Northern Interior Forest Region timber tenure records

  • GR-3917
  • Series
  • 1980-2010

This series consists of forest tenure records from the Northern Interior Forest Region, 1980-2010. The Northern Interior Forest Region was created with the amalgamation of the Prince George Forest Region and Prince Rupert Forest Region in 2003. At this time all open tenure files were transferred to the new Northern Interior Forest Region. The region has included a variety of different forest districts. Records may regard the following Forest Districts: Cassiar, Dawson Creek, Fort Nelson, Fort St. John, Fort St. James, Kalum, Kispiox, Mackenzie, Morice, Prince George, Quesnel, Robson Valley, and Vanderhoof. Note that the names and boundaries of districts and regions varied over the years.

Types of forest tenure records include: forest licences, licences to cut, timber licences, timber sale licences, timber licences, records related to Tree Farm Licence 51 (TFL 51) and pulpwood agreements. Pulpwood Agreements allow the continuance, establishment or expansion of a timber processing facility.

Records regard the issuance, evaluation, administration, monitoring, planning, replacement, cancellation and extension of forest tenures, as well as operations information. Operations information includes business and planning records regarding the establishment and operations of mills and other forestry related projects. They provide additional context of how and why licences were applied for and approved, as well as relevant administrative history of the companies such as name changes, changes in ownership and financial information.

Records include legal documents, annual reports, licences, licence applications, development plans, management plans, invitations for applications, financial records, briefing notes, correspondence, maps, photographs, agreements, proposals, drafts and procedures.

Some records regard First Nations owned logging operations and consultation with First Nations. Groups include the Tsay Kay Dene, Carrier Sekani Tribal Council, Takla (Takla Lake Indian Band), Kitwanga, Gitanyow, Gitxsan and others.

The ministries responsible for Forest and Range Districts, and the years that they were responsible, are:
British Columbia. Ministry of Forests (1976-1986)
British Columbia. Ministry of Forests and Lands (1986-1988)
British Columbia. Ministry of Forests (1988-2005)
British Columbia. Ministry of Forests and Range (2005-2010)

This series is classified under ORCS numbers 19500-20, 19500-25, 19500-60, 19560-20,19580-20, 19600-25, 19600-20, 19700-60, 19710-45 and 19710-65 of the Ministry of Forests schedule (881261).

British Columbia. Prince George Forest Region

Forest practices investigation, complaint, and concern case files

  • GR-3674
  • Series
  • 1991 - 2011

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).

British Columbia. Forest Practices Board

Forest Practices Board special reports

  • GR-4042
  • Series
  • 2001-2007

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).

British Columbia. Forest Practices Board

Experimental forest sample plot studies

  • GR-4060
  • Series
  • 1924-1938

This series consists of experimental forest sample plot studies created by the research division of the Forest Branch from 1924-1938. The records track the growth, inventory, availability and volume of timber in a particular area referred to as a sample plot. This includes tracking the ratio of height and width of a tree relative to its age to estimate growth rates in various types of ecosystems. The records contain descriptive information of the plot’s soil, topography, ground cover, previous logging, location and vegetation.

One study from 1924-1930 referred to as project number 11 or ME 11 which relates to Douglas fir. The other study conducted around 1938 relates to red alder trees. Plots were located around Vancouver Island, the lower mainland, the Gulf Islands, the Sunshine Coast and other areas of the south coast. Records include statistics, tables, graphs and field notes.

British Columbia. Forest Branch

Northern Interior Forest Region operational records

  • GR-3918
  • Series
  • 1963-2008

This series consists of a variety of operational records from the Northern Interior Forest Region, 1975-2009. The Northern Interior Forest Region was previously known as the Prince George Forest Region. The region has included a variety of different forest districts, and the series may include records from additional districts outside the region’s boundaries. Records may regard the following Forest Districts: Cassiar, Dawson Creek, Fort Nelson, Fort St. John, Fort St. James, Kalum, Kispiox, Mackenzie, Morice, Prince George, Quesnel, Robson Valley, and Vanderhoof. Note that the names and boundaries of districts and regions varied over the years.

This series includes a wide variety of types of records and subjects. Each records type has been assigned an ORCS number of the Ministry of Forests schedule (881261). This number is included at the beginning of each file code in the finding aid. These are the file numbers used by the creator. In order to search for a particular file type, try searching for all or part of the ORCS number in the finding aid.

The following types of records are included in this series:

Local resource planning Integrated Resource Use Plans are designed to resolve resource use conflicts in specific areas at the local level. Plans generally relate a specific area - usually a watershed or other distinct resource management unit. Types of Local Integrated Resource Use Plans include: Local Resource Use Plans (LRUP) and Integrated Watershed Management Plans (IWMP). Local resource use plans (LRUPs) were replaced by SRMPs between 1999 and 2003 and functioned similarly. The series includes LRUPs for several areas. Files may include correspondence, meeting minutes, community and indigenous consultation, terms of reference, reports, planning team records, final approved plans, and a variety of other records which may document the creation of plans, the annual review of plans by community members and stakeholders, and the execution of the plan. Classified under ORCS numbers 12600-20 and 12600-60.

Sub-regional LRMP policy and procedure records relate to the development of a procedural framework concerning LRMPs. Includes records concerning the development of procedural methods for a variety of LRMP phases, including public input, resource analysis, development, interagency planning teams, implementation and monitoring of plans, and reviews and amendment of plans. Classified under ORCS numbers 12446-00, 12446-01, 12446-04, 12446-06, 12446-08, 12446-10 and 12446-11.

Regional Program Management Plans relate to the development of plans and review of operational program accomplishments at the regional level. Includes draft and approved program management plans (including updates) for programs within regional offices. Classified under ORCS numbers 12360-25 and 12360-30.

Timber product export records relate to the application for and granting of permission to export timber, timber products and surplus timber residues from the Province. These records include Ministerial order exemptions, Order In Council (OIC) Approvals, some Timber Advisory Committee records and chip export reports. Classified under ORCS numbers 20740-03, 20740-04, 20740-05 and 20800-03.

Pricing appeal records relate to appeals and protests concerning timber prices (stumpage rates) set by the Province, and resolved by decision of the Regional Manager. Records include correspondence, summary of evidence, decisions, exhibits, photos and maps. Classified under ORCS numbers 21680-20.

Procedure files regard a wide variety of topics related to all aspects of the Region’s operations.
Silviculture procedures include: prescriptions, obligations, audits and assessments, contracted services, nursery services and pesticides. Forest tenure and timber procedures include: replaceable forest licences, timber licences, woodlot licenses, mill licences, timber harvesting, timber marks, timber export and log salvage. Other procedures regard visual resource management, geomorphology, cone and seed services, residue and waste management, local resource planning, regional management plan development, district program planning and evaluation, special use permits, free use permits, forest service roads, access plans, utilization, pricing, scaling, and cruising. Records include correspondence, briefing notes, manuals, forms, reports, reference materials and training materials. Some files include information about contractors and third party service providers. Procedure records have the secondary “-02” and are classified under a variety of ORCS numbers. Additional procedures may be in related series.

There are also files on a variety of miscellaneous topics, most of which only contain one or two files. These include: scaling examinations; research project reports; damage to roads; timber harvesting contract regulation registers of arbitrators and mediators; silviculture program implementation policies; Interior utilization guidelines; Coast utilization guidelines; access plans; and timber harvest appeals. Classified under ORCS numbers 23900-03, 21610-06, 21610-07, 17440-25, 17440-40, 11200-08, 17640-25, 18040-00, 19920-04, 19920-03, 11050-20 and 19020-20.

The ministries responsible for the Forest and Range Districts, and the years that they were responsible, are:

British Columbia. Ministry of Forests (1976-1986)
British Columbia. Ministry of Forests and Lands (1986-1988)
British Columbia. Ministry of Forests (1988-2005)
British Columbia. Ministry of Forests and Range (2005-2010)

British Columbia. Prince George Forest Region

Fort Nelson Forest District timber tenures

  • GR-4065
  • Series
  • 1979-1999

This series consists of cutting permits and other forest tenure records created from 1979-1999 by the Fort Nelson Forest District, a division of the Prince George Forest Region. All files were managed as part of the Fort Nelson Forest District when the files were closed and transferred to the archives.

The series includes the following types of timber tenures: forest licences and one silviculture audit file. The majority of files relate to cutting permits. Licensees were required to apply for a forest licence or similar tenure and cutting permits in order to harvest timber. Records regard the issuance, evaluation, administration, monitoring, planning, replacement, cancellation, deletion and extension of these timber tenures.

The records include legal documents, operations information, correspondence, forms, reports, maps, licences, permits, permit amendment or renewal documentation, applications, logging plans, reports, silviculture prescriptions, stumpage adjustment, and financial records.

The ministries responsible for creating these records, and the years that they were responsible, are:
Ministry of Forests (1976-1986)
Ministry of Forests and Lands (1986-1988)
Ministry of Forests (1988-2005)

The records were classified as 18765-20 and 19500-20 in the Forest Operational Records Classification System (ORCS).

British Columbia. Fort Nelson Forest District

Revelstoke Forest District operational records

  • GR-4067
  • Series
  • 1969-1989

This series consists of a variety of records created by the Revelstoke Forest District and its predecessor the Revelstoke Forest Ranger District. Most records are from 1987-1989.

There are three subseries of records:

The first are wild fire case files. These records are arranged by an annual sequential number with the prefix “N04-”. Each fire was also given a unique three or four letter name. Records include maps, fire reports, reviews, work plans, resource requests, fire diaries, firefighter time sheets, financial records related to the costs of fighting the fire, and claims made as a result of fire damage. Personnel records of firefighters are restricted.

The second subseries contains annual reports for the following timber tenures: Forest Licence A18992, Timber Sale Licence A10295, Timber Sale Harvesting Licences A02117 and A04330, and Tree Farm Licence 23.

The third subseries contains a variety of operational and subject files related to protection and pest management. The files are arranged by Ministry of Forests file directory number. Subjects include pesticides, herbicides, fire management, fire hazards, fire suppression, the use of prescribed burns, and fire control plans for specific timber tenures. The records include policies, procedures, reports, maps, photos, and correspondence.

British Columbia. Revelstoke Forest District

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