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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).

Series consists of correspondence between members of the public and the Ministry of Forests between the years 2000-2004. The majority of the correspondence consists of letters from the public sent to the Minister of Forests. The letters deal with multiple subjects including forestry policy, forestry companies, employment, the impact of forestry on the environment and other subjects. The original letters were mailed to the ministry from members of the public, forestry companies and other businesses and interest groups. There are also numerous form letters amongst the correspondence.

When the ministry received these letters, the Correspondence Branch registered a unique number to each letter in the ministry’s correspondence tracking database called Cliff. The branch would then research the issue, request information from ministry staff and draft a response. The draft responses were then forwarded to the minister’s office who would review the letter and either sign it or return it to the branch for further revisions.

The records cover the years 2000-2004, however, there are no records from 2003. The letters are arranged numerically by the registration number. There are large gaps in the records in terms of the correspondence numbers. The ministry placed documents in each box that show which individual letters were transferred. These are stored in the individual boxes.

The files contain the letter from the public, notes and registration forms by the ministry, draft replies and a copy of the final response. Some letters were accompanied with attachments such as reports, photographs, and videos. There are some letters, such as form letters, and information brochures, that the ministry did not reply to. These are stored in “FYI” files.

The records were classified by the ministry under 280-30 in the Administrative Records Classification System (ARCS).

This series consists of executive correspondence, briefing notes and associated records created by the South Island Forest District for the years 2000-2007. Correspondence may be replying to letters from other government bodies, other levels of government, First Nations, members of the public, and forestry companies. Records relate to a variety of subjects. Most regard concerns with logging in a particular area, forestry practices, and consultation with First Nations. Records regard forest use across southern Vancouver Island, including Clayoquot Sound.

Records are covered by the Administrative Records Classification System (ARCS) numbers 280-20 and 280-30.

The series consists of stumpage adjustment summary reports generated by the Revenue Branch of the Ministry of Forests. These are reports that have been printed from the Ministry of Forest computer system. They were used determine the fees to charge forest companies.

The files cover all areas of the Province and were created in accordance with the Forest Act (RSBC 1996, c. 157). The Province is divided into two appraisal regions for the purposes of stumpage. These regions are the Coast and Interior and each of these is documented in separate reports.

Most of the reports document the mean value index for timber and help forecast the revenue to the province. The reports have a wide range of information and include district summaries, rate calculations arranged by district, value of species, and mark volume.

The ministry ran reports from January, April, July and October. Each report is dated and named and there are also coloured sheets of paper at the front of each file that correspond with the month of the report. Blue sheets are from January, green sheets are from April, pink sheets are from July and yellow sheets are from October. The records arrived in the archives in no discernible order. The archives has arranged them by date and region.

These records are classified as 21710-30 in the Forest ORCS which states that the records are retained for seven years by the ministry and then transferred to the archives.

This series consists of silviculture records from 1996-1998 by the Campbell River Forest District, a division of the Vancouver Forest Region. 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 audit and assessment files regard the audits and assessments made by the Ministry to ensure silviculture is carried out in accordance with the regulations and approved silviculture prescriptions as detailed in the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act. Audits include records concerning a formal examination of the approved silviculture prescription document and the related area to evaluate whether or not there has been compliance with the regulations, the silviculture prescriptions are suitable to attain the objective stated therein, and there is acceptable progress towards achievement of silviculture objectives stated 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. Types of audits and assessments included are pre-approval assessments and post-approval audits. Records can include correspondence, inspection forms, reports, and compliance reports for soil conservation, regeneration, and free growing obligations. These records cover major licencees and woodlot licnces.

Records include forms, applications, silviculture prescriptions, correspondence, maps and photos.

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

The records were classified as 18765-20 and 18765-25 in the Forest Operational Records Classification System (ORCS).

This series contains records accumulated by the Design and Construction Officer of BC Parks in relation to park facilities. The records contain ample information about standards and projects conducted on BC Park land in order to develop recreation facilities. Guidebooks and manuals in the series demonstrate the proper procedures for building trails, bridges, boardwalks, shelters, tables, signs, steps/stairs etc.

The records also discuss the Forest Renewal BC (FRBC) programs, for which BC Parks was in charge of the Forest Recreation Program. The program provided funding to BC Parks Districts for projects that could be contracted to displaced forest workers, thus helping to renew the BC forest sector. The projects aimed to develop recreation opportunities in provincial parks, including better facilities like trails and campgrounds that would contribute to responsible management of recreation resources. Types of records relating to BC Parks involvement with the FRBC include presentation materials (discussing the program, budgets, forecasts and accomplishments), as well as guidebooks about all FRBC programs.

The series also includes approximately 405 colour photographic prints of various work projects being conducted on BC Parks land. The photographs cover a range of topics such as photographs of landscapes, newly refurbished or installed campgrounds, issues with trails and photographs of workers on site. Many of the original film negatives accompany the photographs.

The records are arranged according to the BC Parks Operational Records Classification System (schedule 113827).

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 silviculture records from the Prince George Forest District, 1994-2004. 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 obligation or prescription exemption case files allow for exceptions under section 129.11 of the Forest Act. Silviculture prescriptions document planned silviculture activities prior to logging begins. Activities can include seed collecting, site preparation, artificial and natural regeneration, brushing, spacing and stand tending in order to establish a new free growing crop of trees of a commercially valuable species. Silviculture prescriptions were introduced in the 1980s and exemptions were formally implemented in 1993.

Records include forms, applications, silviculture prescriptions, correspondence, maps and photos.

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

This series is classified under ORCS numbers 18790-40 of the Ministry of Forests schedule (881261).

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).

This series consists of a variety of operational records created by the Campbell River Forest District, a division of the Vancouver Forest Region, from 1990-2001. This includes land and resource management records, range tenures, and procedure files.

The series includes the following types of records:

Records relating to Land and Resource Management Plans (LRMP) consider all resource values within a given area of land. This area of land can consist of a TSA, a forest district, or other areas as designated. Each plan is prepared by an Interagency Planning Team in consultation with the public. These plans can be further subdivided into resource units and resource management zones. The participants in the planning process may build scenarios that include a set of resource management objectives and strategies both for the entire planning area and for each of the smaller units it contains. This primary includes the development, monitoring and review and amendment of plans for specific areas, and input from the public. The series includes terms of reference for the establishment of LRMPs.

Records relating to Local Resource Use Plans (LRUPs) to resolve resource use conflicts in specific areas at the local level. Includes records relating to data concerning a specific area - usually a watershed or other distinct resource management unit.

Utilization records regard the guidelines followed by the Ministry of Forests concerning the harvesting of timber
and the resulting affects on fish habitat. Includes guidelines, audits of licensees to ensure compliance with
guidelines, action/assessment plans.

The series also includes one district inventory program file and a range tenure file. There are also procedures related to engineering, road damage, forest service roads, district program planning, nurseries silviculture obligations and silviculture treatments.

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

The records were classified as 12380-25, 12440-20, 12600-20, 15700-20, 19910-20, plus several procedure files ending in the secondary "-02" in the Forest Operational Records Classification System (ORCS).

This series consists of resource management plans (RMPs) and aboriginal liaison files from the Northern Interior and surrounding region. Most records date from 1999 to 2010. These records document the creation of various kinds of land and resource management plans, as well as the government’s related consultation and relations with Indigenous groups. Many files relate to Old Growth Management Areas (OGMAs) and other forestry resources.

This series includes a wide variety of types of records and subjects. Each records type has been assigned an ORCS number from the Resource Management ORCS (schedule 144100). 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 files are included in the series:

Aboriginal liaison case files document the government’s resource management involvement with First Nations groups and consultation with respect to resource management plans. Each file documents consultation and communication with a particular First Nation, Tribal Council or other Indigenous group regarding a variety of issues and practices related to resource management and use. Many files document the creation and finalization of various kinds of agreements between the Ministry and First Nations groups. Files also include the planning and execution of joint projects, workshops and meetings to consult First Nations about the creation of resource management plans or to address specific resource management issues. Classified under ORCS number 17020-20.

Resource management plan referral case files relate to the review of plans submitted by organizations outside government, such as industry, First Nations, non-profit groups, and other government bodies. Classified under ORCS number 17490-20.

Land and Resource Management Plans (LRMPs) are sub-regional integrated RMPs. They are large scale and cover a number of resource sectors (a discrete natural or social resource such as tourism, forestry or mining). Regions are divided into smaller management areas called sub-regions. Records may relate to the development, including research, consultation with interested parties and creating terms of reference; implementation; monitoring to determined if the plans objectives are being met; and amendment of LRMPs over time. Similar steps are used for all RMPs in this series. Includes LRMP files for Mackenzie, Prince George, Fort St. James, Vanderhoof, and Kalum. Classified under ORCS numbers 17550-02, 17550-25, 17550-50 and 17550-60.

Landscape unit plants relate to the development, implementation, monitoring and amendment of landscape unit RMPs. Landscape unit plans often result in a set of legally binding resource management goals called 'landscape unit objectives'. These objectives are measurable goals defined by a geographic area, a specific timeframe and an individual resource or use of a resource. Classified under ORCS numbers 17580-55, 17580-25 and 17580-03.

Sustainable resource management plans (SRMPs) cover a relatively small area (usually under 100,000 hectares), referred to as a landscape unit, and address multiple resource management issues in the area. An SRMP is divided into chapters, with each chapter providing the planning for a specific resource value. Records relate to the development, implementation, monitoring and amendment of sustainable resource management plans (SRMPs). This series includes records related to the Fort St. James, Mackenzie, South Trench, Prince George Timber Supply Area, Interior Cedar Hemlock Biodiversity Project, McBride Valemount, Robson Valley and Slim/Dome SRMPs. Classified under ORCS numbers 17730-02, 17730-20, 17730-25 and 17730-30.

Many files relate to a particular Indigenous group, mostly from the Northern Interior region of BC. These include (outdated names used in the records are listed in brackets): Carrier Sekani Tribal Council, Cheslatta Carrier Nation, Gitxsan, Iskut, Lake Babine Nation, Lheidli T’enneh, Lhoosk’uz Dene, Lhtako Dené (Red Bluff), Nadleh Whut’en, Nak’azdli, Nakawē (Saulteau), Nazko, Nisga’a, Saik’uz, Simpcw (North Thompson), Stellat’en, Takla Lake, Tl’azt’en, Tsay Keh Dene, Tse’khene (Kwadacha and McLeod), Tsq’escen (Canim Lake), Ulkatcho, Xat’sūll (Soda Creek), and Yekooche.

Record types include approved plans, terms of reference, objectives, consultation case files, First Nations consultation files, implementation files, planning team records, development case files, correspondence, memoranda, maps, photographs, data, and reports.

This series includes records related to forest tenures in the Kamloops Forest Region from 1987-1998. The series currently includes records from the Kamloops Forest District, Penticton Forest District and Vernon Forest District within the larger Kamloops Forest Region.

Types of forest tenure records in this series include non-replaceable timber sale licences (TSLs), including licences issued under the Small Business Forest Enterprise (SBFEP) program and BC Timber Sales Program.

Records regard the issuance, evaluation, administration, monitoring, planning, replacement, cancellation and extension of forest tenures under the Forest Act.

Records include correspondence; licences; logging plans; log hauling and harvesting contracts; preharvest silviculture prescriptions, reviews and amendments; harvest inspection reports and appraisals; stumpage calculations; records related to right of ways and Forest Service Road permits; reports; maps; and photos.

The series also includes legal documents for cutting permits for replaceable forest licences and tree farm licence (TFL) 35. These files may include some of the records described above, but primarily contain records related to silviculture prescriptions and surveys.

The records have been classified as 19500-45 and 19620-25 in the Forestry Operational Classification System (ORCS).

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

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".

This series consists of records related to resource management created by the Sunshine Coast Forest District, part of the Vancouver Forest Region. The records date from 1984-1991.

The series currently includes on local resource use plan (LRUP) for Elphinstone. LRUPs are designed to resolve resource use conflicts in specific areas at the local level.

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 12600-20 in the Forest Operational Records Classification System (ORCS).

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).

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).

Review of the Report on the Royal Commission on Forest Resources.

Series consists of stand tending reports which were created to document forest treatments in the province. According to the Ministry of Forests, “stand tending is a subset of silviculture that includes a variety of forest treatments, including pre-commercial thinning, fertilizing, pruning and commercial thinning, which are carried out to maintain a healthy forest and to increase the quality and quantity of timber produced.”

The reports were maintained by the Victoria Office of the Ministry of Forests. Each report is on a standardized form and a map of the area treated attached to many of them. The reports contain information about the forest region, the district as well as the National Topographic System map number to provide the location of the work. The forms also list the type of project that was undertaken, the project objective and the accomplishments. The forms were usually completed by the contracted party who carried out the work and there is a space on the form to record who did the work, the costs and the date that the work was started. The forms were also signed by the project foreman and forestry staff.

The records are arranged by the Forest District with individual folders for each year. The folders consist primarily of copies of the planting report form and a map of the area planted. Some folders also contain other documents such as planting inspection reports, daily planting progress reports, and correspondence.

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

Ministry of Forests 1976-1986
Ministry of Forests and Lands 1986-1988

Classified by the ministry as 18750-20 in the Ministry of Forests ORCS.

This series consists of a variety of records related to timber tenures created from 1976-1999 by the Squamish Forest District, a division of the Vancouver Forest Region.

The series includes the following types of timber tenures: replaceable forest licences, licences to cut, special use permits, timber licences, replaceable timber sale licences and non replaceable timber sale licences. 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, development plans, correspondence, forms, reports, maps, licences, charts, annual reports, development plans, permits, permit amendment or renewal documentation, applications, logging plans, reports, silviculture prescriptions, major licensee silviculture audits, stumpage adjustment, salvage information, and financial records.

There is also one order in council (OIC) export of timber products exemption approval file. This relates to the application for and granting of permission to export timber and timber products from the Province of British Columbia pursuant to S. 145 of the Forest Act, including inspection 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 19500-45, 19500-55, 19540-25, 19570-25, 19580-55, 19600-30, 19600-45, 19600-55, 19600-60, 19620-25 and 20740-04 in the Forest Operational Records Classification System (ORCS).

This series consists of a variety of resource inventories and land use plans. The records were created by the South Island Forest District and its predecessor the Port Alberni Forest District from 1975-2007.

Many of the records are recreation resource inventories. These relate to the identification of opportunities from the Provincial Forest recreation resource, to ensure that recreation values are considered in resource management decisions.

Other records include land use planning studies, protected area studies, landscape inventories integrated resource management and recreation plans, as well as questionnaires and consultation with user groups. Records regard land across the South Island Forest District, including TFL 25, TFL 44, TFL 46 and other areas near Clayoquot Sound and Barkley Sound.

These records have been classified as 16350-20 in the Forestry Operational Classification System (ORCS). However, some records may have been misclassified.

This series consists of records of the 1975 Royal Commission on Forest Resources led by Commissioner Peter H. Pearse. Records include exhibits, transcripts of evidence, correspondence, subject files, working papers, financial records and newspaper clippings.

The finding aid provides an alphabetical listing of exhibits (volumes 1-9), a file list of correspondence and subject files (volumes 10-13), and a file list of working papers (volumes 14-16). Volumes 17 and 18 contain newspaper clippings about the activities of the Commission, volume 19 is a Ledger of accounts and volumes 20 to 28 contain the transcripts of evidence taken at public hearings of the commission. An alphabetical index of participants providing the transcript volume number and page numbers of testimony given is included at the end of the finding aid.

To find briefs of particular participants, researchers are advised to search the alphabetical listing of briefs for the appropriate box number. References to the original numbering of briefs done by the Commission no longer have meaning for retrieval purposes.

The series consists of oral history interviews recorded by staff members and research associates of the Provincial Archives of B.C. Major subject areas include: political history (especially the Coalition era, the W.A.C. Bennett years, and David Barrett's NDP government); ethnic groups (including Chinese- and Japanese-Canadans); frontier and pioneer life; the forest industry; B.C. art and artists; the history of photography, filmmaking and radio broadcasting in the province; and the history of Victoria High School.

The interviewers include: Kathryn Bridge, Janet Cauthers, David Day, Patrick Dunae, Terry Eastwood, Merna Forster, Eric Gee, Frances Gundry, Maya Koizumi, W.J. Langlois, Charles Lillard, Theresa Low, Indiana Matters, David Mattison, Patriick May, David Mitchell, Constantine Nikitiuk, Andrew Petter, Derek Reimer, Allen W. Specht, Loree Stewart, and Reuben Ware.

The series consists of cutting permits and other timber tenure records. These records were created from 1973-2006 by the 100 Mile House Forest District, a division of the Cariboo Forest Region. Files include cutting permits, forest licences, timber sale licences, timber sale harvesting licences, woodlot licences and licences to cut. Records regard the issuance, evaluation, administration, monitoring, planning, replacement, cancellation, deletion and extension of these timber tenures. The vast majority of records are cutting permits for forest licences. Licensees were required to apply for a forest licence and cutting permits in order to harvest timber.

The records may include legal documents, management plans, development plans, correspondence, forms, reports, maps, licences, permits, permit amendments and renewals, logging plans, cruise compilations, compilation summaries, reports, silviculture prescriptions, traverse cards, appraisals, harvesting reports and inspection forms, permit extension documentation, road permits, financial records, timber scales, timber mark designations, inspection records, photos, and stumpage fees.

The ministries responsible for creating these records, and the years that they were responsible, are:
Dept. of Lands, Forests and Water Resources (1961-1975)
Dept. of Forests (1975-1976)
Ministry of Forests (1976-1986)
Ministry of Forests and Lands (1986-1988)
Ministry of Forests (1988-2005)
Ministry of Forests and Range (2005-2010)

The records were classified as 19500-45, 19540-25, 19620-25, 19720-25, 19720-45, 19720-50 and 19720-55 in the Forest Operational Records Classification System (ORCS).

Correspondence of the Chairman of the Western Forest Pest Committee, a committee sponsored by the Western Forestry and Conservation Association. The purpose of the committee was to coordinate public and private pest control activities in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest.

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).

This series consists of timber tenure records from the Cariboo Forest Region and its predecessors, 1973-2002. Records currently relate to the following Forest Districts within the Forest Region: Williams Lake and Horsefly. In 2003 these two Forest Districts were amalgamated to form the Central Cariboo Forest District.

The series includes a variety of forest tenure records, including: woodlot licences, licences to cut, timber sale licences, forest licences, timber sale licences and a special use permit. Files contain cutting permits, annual reports, management plans, legal documents and operations information, correspondence, maps, reports, licences and other forms. Records regard the issuance, evaluation, administration, monitoring, planning, replacement, cancellation and extension of forest tenures.

Ministries responsible for the creation of this series, and their dates of the responsibility, are:
Dept. of Forests 1975-1976
Ministry of Forests 1976-1986
Ministry of Forests and Lands 1986-1988
Ministry of Forests 1988-2005

Classified as 19300-20, 19500-47, 19540-25, 19570-25, 19600-45, 19620-25, 19720-45, in the Forests Operational Records Classification System (ORCS).

Correspondence outward and memoranda arranged chronologically. Includes some letters inward and reports. August 1974 - October 1974 (Reel B01837) filmed in reverse chronological order.

This series contains administrative and subject files relating to natural resource development and environmental policies. Includes correspondence, memoranda, reports, briefs, etc. The records were created by the Environment and Land Use Committee Secretariat, the administrative and support staff assigned to the Committee. The records were created from 1972-1980 and relate to all aspects of business conducted by the Committee, including land use decisions across the province.

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).