Tree Improvement Program Project Report 2006 / 2007

T R E E I M P R O V E M E N T P R O G R A M
Genet c Resource Conservat on and Management
(GRM) Challenge D alogue
Br an Barber
In November 2006, Dale Draper, Director, Tree Improvement Branch; Alvin Yanchuk, Manager, Forest
Genetics Section, Research Branch; and Jack Woods, on behalf of John Elmslie, Industry Co-Chair, Forest
Genetics Council of BC prompted a conversation on Forest Tree Genetic Resource Conservation and
Management (GRM) in BC. A number of drivers, such as climate change and the mountain pine beetle
epidemic, precipitated this dialogue. The purpose of this challenge dialogue is to create a collective vision
and strategy for GRM that supports sustainable forest management — and one that reflects the views and
priorities of not only GRM practitioners, but also stakeholders and the public.
These co-champions invited persons within the GRM “community of practice” (COP) in BC
and several other provinces to respond to a challenge paper, which included a number of background
statements, assumptions, and key questions. Responses were received from 35 individuals. This feedback
confirmed that climate change is the top threat or driver. Respondents also agreed that although the
existing GRM strategy has served us well, there is need for a more comprehensive, cohesive, and adaptive
vision and strategy.
The co-champions, Jim Snetsinger, Chief Forester, and Henry Benskin, Deputy Chief Forester,
have subsequently used these responses to inform a second paper to be directed to the public and key
stakeholders. Responses received from this paper, together with those previously received from the GRM
COP, will be used to begin development of a GRM vision and framework in fiscal 2007-08.
Thanks are extended to all those who took the time to review the challenge paper and submit their
comments. Thanks also to R.K. Jones and Associates for their leadership and assistance with this project.
GRM Challenge Dialogue documents and information may be found at: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hti/
grm/grm_dialogue.htm
Brian Barber, RPF
Deputy Director and Manager, Policy, Planning and Climate Change
Tree Improvement Branch
British Columbia Forest Service
722 Johnson St., PO Box 9518 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC, V8W 9C2
Ph (250) 356-0888; Fax (250) 356-8124
P R O J E C T R E P O R T 2 0 0 6 / 2 0 0 7
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