Unlocking forest planning with the Forest Operations Map Portal

The Forest Operations Map (FOM) portal makes it easy to get up-to-date information on proposed forestry activities in British Columbia.

Launched in Spring 2024, the FOM portal allows the public to comment on proposed cutblocks and forestry roads across the province. Before the portal launched, the public had to learn about proposals through local newspapers or district forestry offices and comment on them by email or through Canada Post. Now it’s easy to find detailed visualizations of proposed forest activities and leave comments online, all in one place.

Voices for the environment

The portal helps make forestry in B.C. more transparent by sharing proposed activities with the public, First Nations and interested parties. It gives people a chance to voice their opinions and be part of the conversation.

Beyond transparency, the portal supports sustainable forest practices by making it easier to spot environmental impacts early. Companies can use this information to adjust their plans and protect important resource values.

FOM reviews are meant to encourage public engagement, but they don’t replace the Province’s ongoing duty to consult with First Nations groups.

How it works

A Forest Stewardship Plan (FSP) is a guide for responsible forestry, ensuring activities align with government’s sustainability goals. Before logging or roadbuilding starts, FSP holders must share a FOM for public feedback for 30 days, announcing it online and in newspapers.

In the past, there was no easy way to do this online. The new FOM portal provides an easy, reliable method to do so.

FSP holders only need to:

• Fill out a request form for portal access
• Provide their Forest Client number
• Give the BCeIDs of their company’s users, and
• Upload their plans and maps once they’re in

In the portal, each FOM shows:

• Who’s responsible for it
• Where proposed roads and logging areas will be
• The expected start date of each part of the work
• The three-year activity timeframe

Some activities, like managing hazards or collecting tree seeds, don’t need a FOM. But when permits are required, the FOM ensures transparency in forestry planning.

Commenting and reporting

The portal also makes it easy for people to share thoughts on a FOM. Pins showing details for each FOM can be found on the map, or searched for using the FOM number or the holder’s name.

Once users have found the right FOM, it’s one click to ‘Submit a Comment’ and begin providing feedback. Comments are sent directly to the plan holder and Ministry of Forests staff, and not freely visible to the public. It’s a simple and impactful way for people in B.C. to have a say on forest planning.