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WILLIAMS LAKE – The B.C.
government is investing $70,000 to study techniques to increase habitat quality
for forest-dependent species, Environment Minister Barry Penner announced
today.
“This study will help
determine if leaving debris and residual forest after logging is an effective
habitat management tool for a number of species,” said Penner. “The mountain
pine beetle epidemic has resulted in decreased forest habitat for species such
as fisher and marten.”
Fisher and marten are important fur-bearing species that generate considerable revenue for B.C.’s trapping industry. They are also forest predators of small mammals such as snowshoe hare, porcupine and voles, which can have a negative impact on regenerating forests. Some evidence suggests that harvested stands are used sooner by fisher and marten when there is more retention of residual forest and coarse woody debris during logging. Maintaining high-quality habitat for these furbearers will benefit both the trapping and forest industries.
The benefit of promoting this type of habitat management, instead of the common practice of collecting debris for burning, also includes improved local air.
Funding is provided from the Ministry of Environment’s Mountain Pine Beetle Ecosystem Restoration program. Tolko Industries Ltd. is managing the study and providing funding for the completion of the project.
This study is one of the many ways that British Columbia is leading the world in sustainable environmental management, with the best air and water quality and the best fisheries management.
Visit www.gov.bc.ca to learn more about how the government of British Columbia is addressing environmental issues and www.gov.bc.ca/pinebeetle for government’s Mountain Pine Beetle Action Plan.
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Manager, Media Relations Ministry of Environment 250 953-4577 |
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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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