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Prior to the 1990s, any member
of the public could propose an area as an ecological reserve.
In the past, proposals
have been put forward by scientists, educators, government agencies and
naturalist/conservation groups. Proposals submitted were reviewed by BC
Parks to determine the significance of the natural values present, the
relationship of the area to other ecological reserves and protected areas,
and whether the proposal filled existing gaps in the ecological reserve
system. Following the review, proposals were referred to all interested
government ministries and agencies to ensure conflicts with other land or
resource uses were not present. Where values were considered significant
and land use conflicts were resolved, the proposed area was designated by
provincial order-in-council under the Ecological
Reserve Act.
In the 1990s, the
provincial government embarked on a province-wide program of land use
planning. At the regional and sub-regional level, round-tables were
established of government agencies, First Nations, public stakeholders,
environmental organizations and industry representatives.
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Recognising the importance
of the identification and dedication of a system of natural features and communities
representative of the geographically and biologically diverse environments
of BC, the Protected Areas Strategy was developed with two primary goals:
to protect viable, representative examples of natural diversity in BC; and
to protect special natural, cultural heritage and recreational heritage
features.
In order to meet the goals
of the Protected
Areas Strategy, the land-use planning tables worked to determine land use
designations over set geographical areas, including in their decisions the
selection and designation of protected areas and the type of designation
that they would receive (Park, Ecological Reserve or Protected Area).
Other references:
BC Parks
Conservation Management Policies
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