The Forest Genetics Council (FGC) of British Columbia (www.fgcouncil.bc.ca) is appointed by B.C.’s chief forester to guide tree improvement activities in the province. The Council provides a forum for stakeholder representatives to set goals and objectives, and to oversee the development and delivery of business plans to fulfill them. The Council’s goal is to maximize the economic benefits from tree improvement investments for gains in wood quality, quantity, and pest tolerance consistent with strategic land-use planning.
 

Services: Cortex provided executive secretariat services to the FGC from 1995 to 2003. These services included organizing, facilitating, and producing summaries of FGC meetings; assisting the technical advisory committees and other ad hoc committees; preparing the FGC bylaws; working with the program manager to develop the FGC planning framework (strategic, business, research, extension and communications plans); and liaising with Forest Renewal BC.

Outcomes: Cortex guided the FGC through a difficult period of reorganization in 1995-1998, helping it develop to the extent that it is now considered to be the preferred model for similar stakeholder committees. The Council's plans continue to guide tree improvement funding and activities carried out in the province by government, industry, and researchers. Its program is stable and well funded.