The timber supply analysis indicates the current allowable annual cut in the Kootenay Lake Timber Supply Area cannot be maintained in the long term with current management practices. The rate and timing of an allowable annual cut reduction is in part dependent on the ability of the community to adapt to this change.
The Kootenay Lake area has undergone major economic shifts in the past. In recent years, local communities have experienced a strong turnaround, with a focus on creating a sustainable future. Depending on the magnitude, the negative impacts of an allowable annual cut reduction could be relatively minor compared with other parts of the province. This can be attributed to the historical harvest level being significantly lower than the approved allowable annual cut.
Opportunities exist within the forestry sector to reduce employment losses by encouraging value-added manufacturing in high employment milling operations, harvesting stands that are not currently considered merchantable, and through the application of more labour-intensive alternative harvesting systems (SEA p. 33). Additional opportunities are expected to be created through the Forest Renewal Plan. The challenge for each community is to develop a strategy to minimize the impact of the long-term timber supply adjustment.
