A process to develop a Land and Resource Management Plan has been underway in the Lakes Timber Supply Area since late 1993. A Lakes Resource Council of 21 people representing various community perspectives was formed in April 1994 to assist with planning. This process will lead to recommendations on new resource management objectives and strategies that balance social, economic and environmental values. Once these recommendations are approved by government, current forest management practices will be revised so they are consistent with these objectives.
The Resource Council will make recommendations on approximately 216,000 hectares of the Lakes Timber Supply Area which were identified as candidate areas for protected area status in 1994. Until final decisions are made on the designation of these areas, they are included in the timber harvesting land base. It is expected that some of these areas will be designated as protected areas, resulting in short- and long-term impacts on the timber supply.
