The FIA-FSP requires research projects to include appropriate extension activities.

FIA-FSP also supports a Provincial Forest Extension Program (PFEP) to foster collaborative extension at a provincial level. A provincial forest extension provider (FORREX) plans, coordinates, and undertakes activities to:

• synthesize existing knowledge on key forest policy, management, and practice issues
   
• identify user needs for information
   
• enhance awareness and application of effective extension practices
   
• provide users with the knowledge and tools they require to sustainably manage Crown forests.
   

Strategy

The Provincial Forest Extension Program Strategy 2005-2010 ( 565 Kb) identifies extension goals and objectives and strategies for delivering existing and new knowledge to practitioners and decision makers. This strategy is currently being revised to reflect PFEP updates based on the reduced budget allocation for FIA-FSP.

An Evaluation of the BC Provincial Forest Extension Program ( 574 Kb) was carried out in 2006/07.

Annual Priorities

An annual business plan for the Provincial Forest Extension Program is prepared each year by FORREX, the Provincial Forest Extension Provider. Yearly extension priorities are determined using guidance from the PFEP Strategic Plan and the MFR, with input from technical working groups and regional steering committees to help identify emerging priorities.

Once developed, the annual PFEP business plan is vetted by the FORREX Board of Directors and presented to the FIA-Forest Science Program for review by the MFR and approval by the Deputy Minister.

Detailed information on the current PFEP priorities and projects can be found in the 2009/10 PFEP Annual Business Plan.