Land Use Planning and Forest Management

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Tactical Plans for Integrated Forest Development

One of the mandates of the JBACE is the review of Tactical Plans for Integrated Forest Development (the “Plans d’aménagement forestier intégré tactique,” in French, commonly referred to using their French acronyms – ‘PAFITs.’) prior to ministerial approval. In addition to the JBACE, several organizations are also consulted: Cree-Québec Forestry Board (CQFB), joint community working groups, local integrated resource and land management tables (TLGIRT). The JBACE considers the work of these organizations in its review.

Actions undertaken for to the review of the 2018-2023 PAFITs:

  • February 2016: workshop with experts on forest management leading to the adoption of two parameters that will guide the review of PAFITs
  • February 2017: development of a new approach for the review of PAFITs
  • November 2018: comments to the MFFP regarding information available for public consultation on Operational Integrated Forest Development Plans (PAFIO)
  • December 2018: Selection of a firm to review the PAFIT
  • January 2020: beginning of the review of the 2018-2023 PAFITs
  • April 2020: report and comments sent to the Québec's Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs (MFFP) (report available here)

The JBACE hopes to publish the English version of the review report in the coming weeks and will work on other outreach activities to share the report.

Land use Planning

The Eeyou Istchee James Bay Territory is one of the few regions in Québec not to be covered by a regional plan for integrated natural resource and land development (PRDIRT). This situation poses unique challenges in terms of the orientations and priorities for regional development and conservation. The Agreement on Governance in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Territory (signed in July 2012) provides for the participation of the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Regional Government (EIJBRG) in the revision of the public land use plan (PATP) and the preparation of a PRDIRT applicable to the Category III lands in the Territory.

Recent actions:

  • March 2017: notice to EIJBRG concerning its participation in the revision of the PATP
  • October 2017: second opinion to EIJBRG, concerning its preparation of a PRDIRT
  • August 2018: comments to the MERN concerning the proposal for a revised approach to public land use planning

The JBACE is still focused on this issue and will evaluate its actions in the coming months.

Caribou

The status of the Woodland Caribou has been troubling for several years and, given its cultural importance to the Cree communities, the JBACE has been monitoring the situation for at least ten years. The recovery of the Woodland Caribou requires the attention of all levels of government and the JBACE has a common interest in the implementation of the Woodland Caribou plans produced by both the federal and provincial governments.

Recent actions:

  • September 2016: letter to the MFFP expressing the JBACE’s concerns about the impact of forest management on Woodland Caribou habitat
  • December 2016: presentation from the MFFP of the Action Plan for the Recovery of the Woodland Caribou to the JBACE
  • December 2016: presentation from the Canadian Wildlife Service of the Guidance Document for Woodland Caribou Range Plans
  • June 2017: recommendation to the MFFP regarding the interlinkage of the Woodland Caribou recovery strategy and forest management planning (via PAFIT)
  • November 2017: comments to the federal and provincial governments highlighting the importance of a dialogue between them and the Cree so as to ensure that the Woodland Caribou recovery plans and strategies are adapted to the context of the Territory
  • December 2017: submission to the JBACE of an internal report of an expert on the status of Woodland Caribou populations in the Territory as well as the assessment and inventory of potential protection measures to guide the Committee in planning next steps
  • December 2018: follow-up with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and the MFFP on the progress made in developing measures for the recovery of Woodland Caribou that are adapted to the James Bay Territory
  • May 2019: presentations from ECCC and the MFFP on the progress made in developing measures for the recovery of Woodland Caribou

The JBACE will continue to monitor the status of this file in conjunction with the development of forest management plans and land use plans.