The Muskwa-Kechika Management Area in the northeast region of BC, is a remote and relatively undeveloped area of abundant resources. The Muskwa-Kechika Management Area Act establishes the requirement for pre-tenure planning for oil and gas exploration and development in the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area prior to the disposition of petroleum and natural gas rights.
The purpose of a pre-tenure plan is to encourage and guide environmentally responsible development of oil and gas resources by providing results- oriented management direction that ensures oil and gas activities are consistent with the Act. Pre-tenure plans also provide a sustainable resource management framework to address social well-being, environmental conservation and economic prosperity.
This plan contains binding, results-based requirements that must be achieved in oil and gas activities. This approach sets management objectives and then measures specific indicators of progress in achieving those objectives. Targets have been established as a means of quantifying the acceptable future state of these indicators.
The science and information behind attempting to quantify short- and long- term impacts of oil and gas activities are subjective. As a result, regular monitoring of activities and their outcomes on the ground, and adapting to local conditions or new information is essential.
More information on Muskwa-Kechika Management Plans can be found in the following documents:
- Pre-Tenure Plans for Oil and Gas Development in the Muskwa- Kechika Management Area PDF(4.69MB)
- Information Letter (2003SRM0011-000604): Pre-Tenure plans open Muskwa-Kechika to gas exploration PDF(19KB)
The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources has continued its commitment to the pre-tenure plans by providing the Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management (MSRM), the lead agency in the creation of the plans, with pertinent information on the gas potential and economic value of allowing oil and gas operations within the M-KMA. The plans are created in a manner that is consistent with the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area Act.
The purpose of the pre-tenure plans is to develop areas within the M-KMA in an environmentally responsible manner regarding the exploration and development of the oil and gas industry. The pre-tenure plans are not a prerequisite for conducting geophysical activities. However, guidelines for conducting geophysical activities within the Muskwa-Kechika can be obtained from the Oil and Gas Commission (OGC).
The Upper Sikanni Plan was created in 1995 prior to the existence of the Muskwa-Kechika. The only other approved plan for the area, Besa-Prophet Phase 1, was approved in September 2002. MSRM is finalizing the remaining areas in a phased approach.
In order to create plans with the best management direction, information has been gathered from government agencies, First Nations, local government, stakeholders and the general public.
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