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VICTORIA – Effective today, in response to the mountain pine beetle epidemic, the allowable annual cut for Tree Farm Licence 48 will increase to 900,000 cubic metres, deputy chief forester Henry Benskin announced.
Tree Farm Licence 48, also known as the Chetwynd tree farm licence, is managed by Canadian Forest Products Ltd. The previous allowable annual cut was set in September 2001 at 580,000 cubic metres.
“Increasing the harvest level to 900,000 cubic metres will
allow for the timely salvaging of beetle-damaged trees,” said Benskin. “This
will enable the economic use of dead wood, as well as help regenerate affected
forests more quickly and effectively.”
The deputy chief forester also
noted that updated inventory information has improved the growing stock
estimates in Tree Farm Licence 48.
Each allowable annual cut determination is an independent, professional judgment based on the latest information, ranging from technical forestry reports to government’s social and economic objectives and consultation with the public and First Nations. The determination reflects the requirements of existing land-use plans and forest practices legislation.
Ministry of Forests and Range staff will continue to monitor the mountain pine beetle infestation and advise the deputy chief forester if it subsides or expands beyond projected levels, in which case further examination of the timber supply may be required.
Under the timber supply review, the chief forester or deputy chief forester must determine how much wood can be harvested in each of the province’s 37 timber supply areas and 33 tree farm licences at least once every five years. A new allowable annual cut can be determined earlier in response to abnormal situations, such as the mountain pine beetle epidemic, or postponed for another five years if a harvest level is not expected to change significantly.
For additional information on the timber supply review and a copy of the deputy chief forester’s rationale for this tree farm licence, visit www.for.gov.bc.ca/hts.
Tree farm licences are area-based tenures and renewable licences issued under the Forest Act, and give the licensee rights to manage Crown timber for sustained yield for 25 years. The licensee manages the area under the general supervision of the Ministry of Forests and Range and receives approval from the ministry for harvesting activities.
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contact: |
Deputy Chief Forester Victoria 250 387-1296 |
District Manager Peace Forest District 250 784-1200 |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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