Posted February 9, 2012: BC Ministry of Forests has posted an important document relating to public use of our forests.

The purpose of this document is to assist the public and Forest Service (FS) staff in meeting the requirements of the Forest Recreation Regulation regarding "other uses requiring authorization". Section 16 of the regulation (BC Reg 58/99) states "Unless authorized by a designated forest official, a person must not use 

(a) a recreation site, recreation trail, interpretive forest site or wilderness area for: 
(i) a competitive sporting event, or 
(ii) a business or industrial activity, or 

(b) a recreation site as: 
(i) part of a gathering of 15 or more persons, or 
(ii) a place of temporary residence while engaged in a business or industrial activity outside the site"

These guidelines outline direction for the:

• application; 
• review; and 
• approval of a CSE within the boundaries of "established" FS sites and trails, including:
• recreation sites or trails; 
• interpretive forest sites; and
• "designated" wilderness areas.

In accordance with the Ministry of Forests' 'recreation' mission statement, sites and trails "provide the opportunity for recreation experiences." Unauthorized uses of sites and trails, if not monitored and administered, may impede the ability of the general public to enjoy recreation opportunities the FS has to offer; they may also impact on the biological and recreation resources of an area.

For more information visit:

http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfp/publications/00201/appen07/appen07.htm