High public interest in the forest resources in the Kootenay Lake Timber Supply Area makes it necessary to complete integrated resource management plans for many areas. Usually, the timber in these areas is not available for harvesting until these plans are completed, and this may take a number of years.
Currently, the 20 Local Resource Use Plans in the timber supply area include approximately 15 per cent of the total land base and contain a significant amount of the short-term timber supply. Contentious areas such as Lasca Creek and municipal watersheds are included in these planning areas.
It is difficult to assess the impact of these delays on short-term timber supply.
