Investments made through the FIA-FSP are expected to contribute to the government's goal of a leading forest industry that is globally recognized for its productivity, environmental stewardship, and SFM practices. Because the funding available to support this goal is limited, investments must focus on high priority research and extension activities that address user needs, avoid duplication, and leverage funds by attracting money from other sources.

The Ministry of Forests and Range provides both program guidance and administrative support to the FIA-FSP. Input from BC's forestry sector is obtained through formalized mechanisms, including the Chief Forester's Forest Science Advisory Council (CF-FSAC), technical advisory committees, and FORREX.

The program is guided by a FIA-FSP five-year strategic plan, which includes the program vision, goals, outcomes and operating principles, as well as the program structure and implementation framework. Yearly investments and funding priorities are described in annual business plans. The FIA-FSP five-year strategic plan is currently being revised to reflect program changes implemented in 2009-10.

The Provincial Forest Extension Program Strategy identifies extension goals and objectives and strategies for delivering existing and new knowledge to practitioners and decision makers. The 2009-10 PFEP Annual Business Plan highlights priorities and projects for the current fiscal year. The PFEP Strategic Plan is currently being revised to reflect the 2009/10 budget reductions.

The FIA-FSP planning framework is currently in transition. Check back here for more information on the revised program planning framework.

Annual Priorities

The CF-FSAC supports the Chief Forester in deciding on yearly research priorities for the FIA-FSP. Input on research priorities is also provided by:

• FORREX and FORREX working groups, through their annual planning process
   
• MFR Internal Advisory Group, through consultation with MFR research staff to ensure priorities are inclusive of MFR priorities
   
• The CF-FSAC Technical Advisory Committee who provides advice to the CF-FSAC on annual priorities

Call for Proposals

The FIA-FSP funds research projects through two potential mechanisms:

• An open call for proposals
   
• A targeted call for proposals

The decision regarding which approach is used is made by the Deputy Minister, with advice from the CF-FSAC and the MFR Internal Advisory Group, and depends on the identified knowledge gaps and the program funding received each year.

FIA-FSP calls for proposals are aimed at soliciting: (1) projects that address the annual research priorities, and (2) projects for re-measurement and maintenance of key research installations.