Mandate and Objectives  •  Short History  •  Membership Structure  •  Cooperator Participation  •  Program Components  •  Bylaws
 


 
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 the full range of forest genetic resource management activities, including tree improvement (tree breeding and seed orchards), genetic conservation, genecology, climate-based seed transfer, and seed-use policy 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 2009 Strategic Plan, Council's vision statement is that:

“BC's forest genetic resources are diverse, resilient, and managed to provide multiple values for the benefit of present and future generations”

The following six objectives are described:

  • Adequately conserve the genetic diversity of key populations of all forest tree species native to BC by 2015, through a combination of in situ, ex situ, and inter situ conservation
     
  • By 2020, high quality genecology research information will guide operationally efficient climate-based seed transfer policy and practice for all trees planted in BC
     
  • Increase the average volume gain of select seed used for Crown land reforestation to 20% by 2020.
     
  • Increase select seed use to 75% of the provincial total sown by 2014
     
  • Coordinate stakeholder activities and secure resources to meet Business Plan priorities
     
  • Monitor and report 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 TACs lay the groundwork for the annual FGC Business Plan:

  • The Genetic Conservation TAC (GCTAC) leads planning, oversees activities, and advises Council on issues related to genetic conservation and genetic diversity, and associated budgets.
     
  • The Coastal and Interior TACs oversee priorities and activities related to seed needs, seed orchard capacity, seed orchard investment, and tree breeding, for each of the 51 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.
     
  • The Cone and Seed Pest Management TAC (PMTAC) leads planning, oversees activities, and advises Council on issues related to cone and seed pests in provincial seed orchards, and associated budgets.
     
  • The Seed Transfer TAC (STTAC) leads planning, oversees activities, and advises Council on issues related to genecology research, climate-based seed transfer, seed transfer policy, and associated budgets.
     
  • The Decision Support TAC (DSTAC) leads planning, oversees activities, and advises Council on issues related to the development and maintenance of genetic resource management records and systems, including seed inventory, seed use, seedling ordering, and other related GRM activities.

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, woodlots, and private orchard and nursery owners.


www.fgcouncil.ca © Forest Genetics Council of BC, 2011

  

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  


TACs provide
technical and
policy information
to Council