Proposed Wildlife Habitat Feature (WHF) Order: Review And Comment

The following list of Wildlife Habitat Features (WHF) is being proposed for establishment under section 11 of the Government Actions Regulation (GAR) of the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA). Generally speaking, a WHF is a feature used by a wildlife species for one or more of its important habitat requirements and where special management is required to ensure that these features are not damaged or rendered ineffective. A WHF may be, for example, a nest used by a bird or a burrow used by a mammal.

Draft List of Wildlife Habitat Features (PDF 41KB)

The proposed list of WHF is a result of collaborative work between the Ministry of Environment and forest sector representatives. The proposed order only applies to the Crown forest land base and specifically persons who undertake forest practices governed by British Columbia's forest practices legislation. The proposed order will not apply to Range Act agreement holders.

Once a Wildlife Habitat Feature has been approved, section 70 of the Forest Planning and Practices Regulation (FPPR) requires that authorized persons carrying out primary forest activities must not damage or render ineffective a WHF unless they are granted an exemption by the Minister of Environment or delegate.

Consistent with the requirements of section 3 of the GAR, the purpose of this communication is provide an opportunity for review and comment to those holders of agreements under the Forest Act that will be affected by the proposed order. Notice of review and comment for the proposed WHF order was posted in the June 7, 2007 edition of the BC Gazette. The formal review and comment period will be in effect for 30 days.

Please provide any comments on the proposed order by July 9, 2007 to:

Erin Prescott
Ecosystems Branch
Ministry of Environment
PO Box 9338 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria , BC V8W 9M1
Erin.Prescott@gov.bc.ca

The following information is provided as background information to assist you in your review and comment.

Sample Draft account for Mountain Beaver (PDF 458KB)

Review and Comment Questions and Answers (PDF 35KB)

Wildlife Habitat Features Background Information (PDF 37KB)