About The Forest Genetics Council of British Columbia

The Forest Genetics Council (FGC) of British Columbia is appointed by B.C.’s chief forester to guide tree improvement activities in the province. The Council provides a forum for stakeholder representatives to set goals and objectives, and to oversee the development and delivery of business plans to fulfill them. The annual FGC Business Plan outlines the activities and budgets of the seven subprograms that constitute the provincial forest genetic resource management program.

As set out in its 2004 Strategic Plan, Council’s goal is to lead the cooperative management of tree gene resources in British Columbia consistent with scientific and conservation principles, by:

• Increasing the average volume gain of select seed used for Crown land reforestation to 20% by the year 2020
   
• Increasing select seed use to 75% of the provincial total sown by 2013
   
• Supporting genetic conservation research and the cataloguing of indigenous-tree genetic resources
   
• Coordinating stakeholder activities and secure resources to meet Business Plan priorities
   
• Monitoring progress in genetic resource management activities

FGC Technical Advisory Committees (TACs) provide technical and policy information to Council and contribute to the development of annual plans and associated budgets to achieve FGC goals and objectives.

Council’s four TACs lay the groundwork for the annual FGC Business Plan:

• The Genetic Conservation TAC (GCTAC) advises Council on issues related to genetic conservation and genetic diversity, and identifies required activities and budgets.
   
• The Coastal and Interior TACs, through their Species Committees, prepare Species Plans that estimate seed demand, production capacity, and genetic gain for each of the 42 seed planning units (SPUs) in the provincial forest genetic resource management program.
   
• The Extension TAC (ETAC) advises Council on extension and communication issues, and develops an annual activity plan.

Each TAC identifies priorities and evaluates and ranks proposals for funding through the Business Plan. Council reviews all strategies, plans, or recommendations from the TACs or other agencies for approval (or revision) before incorporating them into the FGC Business Plan.

Council and its TACs include representatives from the forest industry, Ministry of Forests, and Canadian Forest Service, universities, and private orchard owners.

www.fgcouncil.ca © Forest Genetics Council of BC, 2009

 
The FGC is
appointed by
B.C.’s Chief
Forester.

TACs provide
technical and
policy information
to Council