Forest Service staff in the Kalum Forest District finalized the data used for the Kalum-South area timber supply analysis in March 1994. This data is available for public review at the Kalum Forest District Office. The Forest Service then conducted and released a short- and long-term timber supply analysis (Kalum South Timber Supply Analysis, June 1994). A consultant also completed a socio-economic assessment of the timber supply forecasts (Southern Portion of the Kalum Timber Supply Area: Socio-Economic Analysis, October, 1994). Both reports are available from the Kalum Forest District office in Terrace and the Prince Rupert Forest Region office in Smithers.
This discussion paper summarizes these two reports and highlights critical factors that the chief forester must consider to determine the allowable annual cut for the Kalum-South area of the Kalum Timber Supply Area. In conjunction with the release of this discussion paper, Forest Service staff will actively solicit public input to ensure the information in the Timber Supply Review is correct. Input will be accepted until ??, 1995, and will be summarized in a report to the chief forester and the minister of forests.
The Kalum south Timber Supply Area includes distinct northern and southern portions which have different forest management practices and timber harvesting administration requirements. In 1987 an interim allowable annual cut for the timber supply area was set when major licences were awarded in the northern portion of the area. Separate allowable annual cuts are now required for the northern and southern areas to properly represent the differences in practices and administration. In order for the chief forester to determine separate allowable annual cuts, the existing Kalum Timber Supply Area must be legally split into two distinct timber supply areas.
In July 1993, the designation of the Nass Timber Supply Area, covering the Kalum-North area, was recommended to the minister of forests. The Forest Service solicited and received public input on this proposal through the Kalum-North Area Timber Supply Review Discussion Paper which was released to the public on July 22, 1994. This input will be forwarded to the minister of forests.
After the decision has been made on creating a separate timber supply area, the chief forester will weigh all of the factors and determine the allowable annual cut for the Kalum-South area in early 1995. This determination and a Rationale Statement for the determination will be released along with the Summary of Public Input.
