In British Columbia, a process for determining allowable annual cuts has been in place since the late 1940s. However, the process has changed significantly since then. More recently, the process has had some minor revisions designed to improve efficiency and encourage earlier public review. At the present time, the second Timber Supply Review is being conducted for the Kootenay Lake Timber Supply Area. Analysis results are expected in the fall of 2000, and will be made available for public review at that time.

Determining the allowable annual cuts for Crown forest lands in British Columbia is the responsibility of the province’s chief forester. It is one of the chief forester’s most important responsibilities since it affects the local and provincial economies and environment-now and in the future. Section 8 of the Forest Act requires the chief forester to consider the following factors to determine allowable annual cuts for timber supply areas and tree farm licence areas:

a) the rate of timber production that may be sustained from the area, taking into account:

• the composition of the forest and its expected rate of growth
• the time in which the forest will become re-established
• silvicultural treatments, including reforestation
• standards of timber utilization
• constraints on the amount of timber produced from the area due to use of the forest for purposes other than timber production
• any other information which relates to the capability of the area to produce timber

b) the short- and long-term implications to the province of alternative rates of timber harvesting from the area

c) the nature, production capabilities and timber requirements of established and proposed processing facilities

d) the economic and social objectives of the Crown for the area, the region and the province, as expressed by the minister of forests

e) abnormal insect or disease infestations and major salvage programs planned for the timber on the area

Some of these factors can be measured and analyzed-others cannot. Ultimately, the chief forester’s determination is an independent, professional judgement based on the best available information. Information that is relevant to the factors listed above is provided to the chief forester by government agencies, the minister of forests and the public.

One of the objectives of the Timber Supply Review is to incorporate changes arising from new information, new practices and new government initiatives that may have an impact on timber supply. In the event of significant change, the allowable annual cut may be reviewed in less than the required five years.

Following the release of the allowable annual cut determination by the chief forester, the minister of forests apportions the cut to the various licences and programs.

For more information on the Kootenay Lake Timber Supply Review, and to view available documents, go to