Editor:
The BC Liberals released their new Forest Strategy indicating continued expansion of Community Forest and Woodlot programs.
What are the details? Hopefully the Liberals will make good on this new strategy via a viable Community Forest (CF) in the Boundary complemented by a modest increase in the woodlot program. There is ample room for both.
In the Boundary Timber Supply Area (TSA) the government recently offered a new CF involving 23,000 cubic metres of annual allowable cut (AAC) to the Communities of Greenwood and Midway.
The offer created dissension as Grand Forks was left out and the proposal overrides both the areas and volume previously committed by the Ministry of Forests for woodlot program expansion.
This offering will continue to create disharmony throughout the Boundary.
If this CF proceeds, it will virtually eliminate the most viable areas for future woodlot expansion. Any CF expansion should not usurp areas set aside for woodlots and the woodlot program should have an equitable opportunity for expansion as per MOF promises.
For CFs to be viable, they should have a minimum AAC of 50,000 cubic metres and preferably, an AAC varying from 100,000 to 150,000 cubic metres.
It is suggested that the Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO) offer a CF with an AAC of 150,000 cubic metres with such volume coming from BCTS volume and operating areas.
The BCTS has 40 per cent of the Boundary TSA AAC, the most of any BCTS operation in B.C. The 23,000 cubic metres should be allocated to a modest woodlot program expansion involving approximately 10 new woodlots.
Such CF should be offered to Grand Forks, Greenwood and Midway and include the local regional district areas, C, D and E. Such an offering would be a viable and true CF that will not only support professional forestry staff, but also bring all Boundary communities together. A CF with an AAC of 23,000 cubic metres will not.
I sincerely hope that the aforementioned communities will cooperate in seeking to acquire a more viable and lucrative Community Forest. It’s worth making the request.
Fred Marshall, Midway