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VICTORIA
– Updated analysis and the latest
information on B.C.’s mountain pine beetle infestation is provided in a new
timber supply report released today, announced Forests and Range Minister Rich
Coleman.
“The
timber supply picture has changed as the infestation has grown in size and
complexity,” said Coleman. “This report maps out potential timber supply
scenarios and refreshes our data package for planning sustainable forests and
communities for the future.”
The
new report – Timber Supply and the Mountain Pine Beetle Infestation in British
Columbia: 2007 Update – is a collective analysis of the 20 most affected Timber
Supply Areas in the infestation zone. The report is available online at www.gov.bc.ca/pinebeetle.
It
reviews the current and projected state of the infestation, and examines timber
supply topics such as how long beetle-attacked wood can be used for sawlogs, opportunities
for beetle-wood other than sawlogs, the type of forests at-risk for infestation
now and in the future, considerations in setting future cut levels, and
potential implications of different harvesting strategies.
Ongoing
assessment and analysis of the infestation is needed to ensure timber supply
forecasts remain accurate and government, industry, communities and the
province’s Beetle Action Coalitions have the best possible information for
developing beetle management strategies.
“This
analysis report will help inform discussions and decisions on the
environmental, social and economic issues surrounding the pine beetle
epidemic,” said Donna Barnett, chair of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Beetle Action
Coalition. “It won’t be easy, but by continuing to work together at the local,
provincial and federal levels, we believe the Cariboo-Chilcotin region and
other affected areas will emerge stronger as a result of the challenge.”
The
Ministry of Forests and Range has also released a Sustaining Communities for
the Future backgrounder. This document is a summary of government actions to
date to mitigate the potential economic impacts of the beetle epidemic on
forestry-dependent communities in the Interior.
Monitoring
the effects of the epidemic and salvage harvesting on the long-term timber
supply to ensure economic sustainability for communities is part of the provincial Mountain Pine Beetle Action Plan. For complete
information on the Action Plan, or to download a copy, visit www.gov.bc.ca/pinebeetle.
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contact: |
Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Forests and Range 250 387-4592 |
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