The logging boom of the mountain pine beetle salvage years is coming to an end. Some of the worlds largest mills were built here to process huge quantities of salvage logs. Now there isn’t enough timber supply to keep them all running. We have known for years that this was coming, and now need to put plans in place to deal with it.
The increased harvesting has also had a serious impact on wildlife, forest biodiversity, and watershed health in our region. Many of us who hunt know, we are seeing far fewer moose in the bush. Our numbers indicate a 75% reduction in moose population.Long Term: Resource Management PlanningSpatial Harvest Planning is setting us up to developa long term plan for forestry: ResourceManagement Planning. This will bring everyone together – First Nations, Licensees, logging contractors, local governments, community members, Provincial representatives, and others –to chart a future for our region.
To deal with these issues, the Carrier Sekani First Nations, Forestry Licensees, and the Province are collaborating to protect the future of forests – and the forest industry – in the region.
Short Term: Spatial Harvest Planning
To protect some of the last crucial wildlife habitat left in the region, the major forestry licensees have agreed to stop harvesting in specially designated areas. Where there were already permits in place, the Carrier Sekani First Nations are sitting down with licensees to determine whether harvesting can still go forward – for instance, if there are forest health issues in the designated area. There is still supply outside of these areas, and licensees will focus harvesting there until a new lands and resources plan is in place for our region.While the Carrier Sekani First Nations are engaging with licensees, we are also pushing for supports from the Province for people who are impacted by the lack of timber.
Long Term: Resource Management Planning
Spatial Harvest Planning is setting us up to develop a long term plan for forestry: ResourceManagement Planning. This will bring everyone together – First Nations, Licensees, logging contractors, local governments, community members, Provincial representatives, and others –to chart a future for our region.
Questions?
Please direct questions to Andreas (Res) Krebs, Communications and Engagement, Carrier Sekani FirstNations. Phone: (778) 890-2125, email: akrebs@rsnt.ca