FOR 253 Forest Policy and Resource Management provides an in-depth examination of the policy frameworks that shape forest management in British Columbia. Students will explore the legal, economic, and institutional foundations of forest policy, including timber tenure systems, timber valuation and appraisal processes, and key legislation such as the Forest and Range Practices Act. By examining contract agreements, forest economics, financial analysis, and allowable annual cut (AAC) determinations, students will focus on how these elements inform and constrain operational forest management.
Through a combination of lectures, case studies, and applied analysis, students will critically examine the tensions, challenges and opportunities within forest policies that aim to support sustainable management of renewable natural resources including cultural considerations that affect seven generations and beyond. This course introduces students to a wide range of forest policy considerations, with a focus on forest landscapes in British Columbia.
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 45 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 1 |
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| Lab (lab, field, computer) | 2 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Explain the structure, purpose, and key terms of BC’s timber tenure system, including Forest Stewardship Plans, Cutting Permits, and Site Plans
- Interpret key elements of the Forest and Range Practices Act, Forest Act, and related regulations as they pertain to forest planning, sustainability, and compliance
- Apply relevant legislation and policy documents to address real-world forest management scenarios
- Describe the BC timber appraisal and Market Pricing Systems, including the role of BC Timber Sales in establishing market-based stumpage
- Conduct basic economic analyses related to stumpage appraisal, timber operability, timber supply, and allowable annual cut (AAC) determinations
- Analyze how Indigenous rights, title, and governance shape forest policy and management decisions, with attention to reconciliation and shared decision-making
- Consider the influence of public opinion, environmental groups, and political discourse on the development and reform of forest policy in BC
- Evaluate key forestry policy debates in British Columbia to propose defensible policy recommendations
- Evaluate how social, economic, and environmental drivers interact within forest policy frameworks, using BC-specific case studies
Teaching and Learning Approach
Our lectures will expand on the learning outcomes listed above. To help you feel prepared and confident, you’re
encouraged to look over the posted materials before class. If reviewing them in advance is difficult for any
reason, please let me know so we can find an approach that works for you.
Seminars offer many ways to engage—guest speakers, hands-on activities, optional field trips, and small-group
discussions—so you can connect with the content in the way that feels most comfortable and meaningful to you.
Course Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)
SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
Highlights Indigenous rights, reconciliation, and shared decision-making in forest policy.
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
Encourages critical analysis of value-added forestry and raw log export policies.
SDG 13 – Climate Action
Addresses Forest management strategies and climate policy through economic and regulatory analysis.
SDG 15 – Life on Land
Promotes sustainable forest management via planning tools, tenure systems, and legislation.
SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Develops understanding of forest governance, compliance, and legal frameworks.
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
Examines collaboration between governments, First Nations, industry, and public stakeholders.
Learning Resources
There is no textbook required for this course. All supplemental readings and resources will be shared on our
Moodle site. Many learners find it helpful to keep personalized study notes that combine lecture highlights,
assignment feedback, and exam reflections.Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. 1. Lecture - Intro to Professional Forestry, What it means to be a Professional, Role of the FPBC Learning Outcomes - 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12
2. 2. Lecture - Forest Policy Overview and Intro to Legislation Seminar - History of Forest Policy in BC Learning Outcomes - 1,2,4
3. 3. Lecture - Intro to Landuse Planning in BC, Forest Stewardship Plans and Cutting Permits Seminar – Legislation Assignment Learning Outcomes - 1,2,4,7,9
4. 4. Lecture - Tenure Systems – Introduction Seminar - Tenure Systems Learning Outcomes - 1,4,7,9
5. 5. Lecture - Tenure Systems continued Seminar - Tenure Systems Learning Outcomes - 1,4,7,9
6. 6. Lecture – Appraisal System, BCTS, Stumpage and Market Pricing System Seminar – Appraisal Assignment Learning Outcomes - 3,4,5,6
7.
7. MIDTERM EXAM
8. 8. Reading break - No Scheduled Classes
9. 9. AAC and Timber Supply Seminar - Timber Supply Overview and the fundamentals of Annual Allowable Cut Learning Outcomes - 8,10
10. 10. Lecture – Raw Log Exports and Old Growth Management - Quiz 5 Seminar - Code of Ethics, Professional Reliance and Your Forestry Future Learning Outcomes - 4,7,8,11,12
11. 11. Guest Speaker - FPBC and Professional Practice in BC
12. 12. FOR 200 Field Trip - No Class
13. 13. Final Exam Review Session
14. 14. SEG Conference and FOR 280 Presentation Week - No Classes
15. 15. Final Exam
Assessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
|---|
| Assignments, Projects and Quizzes | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12 | 40% |
| Professionalism | | 10% |
| Midterm | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12 | 25% |
| Final Exam | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12 | 25% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.