Editor’s note: Last week the Gazette ran a story entitled “Locals concerned about logging” about concerns about local grassroots group Friends and Residents of the North Fork regarding logging in the Lynch Creek North area.
The group said the development and extension of Old Gladstone Road into a logging access road was amongst its concerns.
We contacted BC Timber Sales (BCTS) for comment but it did not respond by press time last week.
Here are responses to the questions from Vivian Thomas, communications manager from the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.
Has the tendering process started for (a logging) road into the area? If not, when?
The tender has not yet been advertised. BC Timber Sales is finalizing a tender for a contract to undertake minor road work on the existing Gladstone Forest Service Road to ensure environmentally sound and safe access.
As soon as possible after timber harvesting is complete the road will be deactivated to a standard similar to the one in existence today.
The minor nature of the road work and deactivation plans were specifically put in place due to expressed concern over grizzly bears and other wildlife.
Is the ministry and BCTS aware of concerns expressed by people in the area?
BC Timber Sales is very aware of concerns expressed by public that have shown an interest in the Lynch Creek development; and has taken those concerns into account throughout the planning process and field operations.
BCTS has kept lines of communications open over the past year, by participating in a Public Open House at the Brown Creek Hall, conducting a field tour of the area with members of the public. We continue to share and discuss our plans with people that wish to be involved.
Does the ministry or BCTS have any other comments on this proposed logging?
BC Timber Sales is obligated to meet the requirements of the Kootenay Boundary Land Use Plan and legislation that has been specifically designed to balance social, economic and environmental concerns.
BCTS staff and their contractors are working with information they have at hand, and are apply their best professional judgement to ensure timber harvesting can occur in the Lynch Creek area without unduly affecting other forest values.