The Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (MWLRS) is accountable for integrated land and natural resource management, including objective setting for land and marine environments, effectively managing cumulative effects, and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.

Working with stakeholders, the Ministry develops policies, programs and legislation to promote industry competitiveness, and encourage investment in and development of natural resources. It also ensures that ministry activities support sustainable development and protect the public’s interest in these resources. The Ministry auctions Crown timber to support the timber pricing system through BC Timber Sales. This includes preparing forest stewardship plans and logging plans; developing timber sale licences; constructing and maintaining logging roads and bridges; undertaking silviculture and forest protection treatments; and ensuring the work is carried out in a safe manner. The Ministry holds the legislative authority for provincial permitting and licensing activities which are facilitated through its coordinated, “one-window” service at
FrontCounter BC offices throughout the province.