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Definition
Integrated resource management (IRM) is a
planning and decision making process that coordinates resource use
so that the long term sustainable benefits are optimized and conflicts
among users are minimized. IRM brings together all resource groups
rather than each working in isolation to balance the economic,
environmental, and social requirements of society. IRM includes
planning for minerals, forests, recreation, wilderness, energy,
wildlife, and parks.
IRM Planning Process
- Establish Regional Planning Team
- Prepare Overview of Crown Lands
- Identify Issues and Produce Detailed Inventory of Resource Values on Crown Land
Phase 1 public consultation - Staff were assisted by interested stakeholders
and the public who were invited to participate across the province. Over
1500 individuals and corporations provided input during the consultations.
- Set Regional
Goals, Objectives and Strategies
- Prepare Strategic
Plan
Plans were prepared with a view to achieving a balance that will best serve
the needs of Nova Scotians. The Plans take into account provincial goals
and objectives, the inventory of resource values, an analysis of existing
and potential resource utilization, and input from the public. Three land
use categories have been developed for IRM and after considering all the
information gathered each parcel of Crown land has been classified into
one of three categories.
- Conduct Information
Sessions
Public Consultation Phase 2 held September 2000.
- Complete the
IRM Regional
Strategy
- Implement,
Monitor and
Review
IRM Land Use Categories
Each parcel of land has been recommended for management under one of three
classifications. The proposed classifications have been assigned by staff teams
consisting of geologists; foresters; parks, recreation and wilderness planners;
and biologists, who bring scientific training as well as the public views to
the table.
Category 1. . . Crown lands assigned to this category will
be available for the full range of resource uses, and include lands
for which a low level of conflict among competing uses is anticipated. Lands within this category will be managed in accordance with
provincial acts, policies, and commitments ensuring that provincial
environmental standards are met, biodiversity is maintained,
and resource development is carried out according to principles
of sustainability.
Category 2. . .Lands with conflicting values for land and
resource use would normally be assigned to Category 2 areas. The
purpose of this category is to ensure that all values are taken into
account in the planning process in areas where land use conflicts
have been identified. Balancing the interests of all resource sectors may require
that management practices for one resource use be modified
to enhance compatibility with others. In some instances,
critical values identified on a parcel of land may be given
overriding consideration in establishing management practices,
whereas compromise may be appropriate in other parcels. For example, areas where mainland moose live are categorized
as Category 2(C2) lands. (Mainland moose are flagged as a
red species, meaning the population is known or thought
to be a species at risk. ) This does not mean that all activity
will be excluded in these lands; however, it does mean that
any resource development will be under certain restrictions.
The Department is proposing that in areas adjacent moose aquatic
feeding sites, portions of uncut forest be retained for at
least 120 metres from the wetlands edge, beginning where
vegetation is two metres in height. Generally, 20 metres is
the required uncut distance from a watercourse or wetland.
Other sites may be identified as C2 because while a specific value is believed to
be present, not enough information is available to determine whether the value:
a) actually is present, or
b) can be protected through management, or
c) will require designation for a specific purpose; some sites may be moved
to Category 3 after evaluation.
Category 3 . . . Lands specifically allocated to special uses and where
other resource activities may be limited, modified, or denied.
Responsibility for management decisions on these lands will normally reside
with the responsible program, but allowed uses should be identified and included
in the regional strategy. In most cases these lands are designated under legislation
or planned for designation. Management activities that will enhance or maintain
the values for which the land is classified Category 3 would be encouraged.
Examples of C3 lands include: Provincial Parks, Wilderness Areas, Nature Reserves,
Protected Beaches, core habitat for endangered or threatened species and areas
where there is consensus that the value or feature is truly unique and the
impact of limitations use limitations is acceptable. |
The planning
process recognizes that some lands have unique or special values
and will require measures that restrict incompatible or conflicting
uses. On many lands however, several uses may be accommodated with
appropriate management techniques. Some uses may be inherently compatible,
or they may be planned to enhance compatibility.
Phase 2 of the public consultations took place in September 2000, and presented
regional strategic plans, regional goals and objectives, and solicited comments
from stakeholders and the public.
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