Okanagan, (TSA) Public Discussion Paper

Okanagan Timber Supply Area Timber Supply Review

The current review of timber supply in the Okanagan Timber Supply Area is timely, as many factors have changed in recent years. For example, the Okanagan TSA Integrated Resource Management Timber Harvesting Guidelines of February 1991 introduced forest cover requirements* which effectively limited the amount of timber available for harvesting. These guidelines, along with superior analytical techniques and better information, make this review of the Okanagan TSA timber supply the most comprehensive to date.

The data package used for the timber supply analysis in the Okanagan Timber Supply Area was finalized in June 1993. This data was reviewed by Forest Service staff, local timber tenure holders and local stakeholders. The Forest Service then conducted and released a short- and long-term timber supply analysis in November 1993, and a consultant completed a socio-economic assessment of timber supply forecasts. Both reports are available from the Salmon Arm, Vernon and Penticton Forest District offices, and the Kamloops Forest Region office.

In conjunction with the release of this discussion paper and the socio-economic assessment, Forest Service staff will actively solicit public input to ensure the information in the Timber Supply Review for the Okanagan Timber Supply Area is correct. Input will be accepted until January 28, 1995.

Public input will be summarized in a report to the chief forester and the minister of forests.

After weighing all of the available information, the chief forester will determine the allowable annual cut for the Okanagan Timber Supply Area during the winter of 1995. This determination and a Rationale Statement for the determination, will be released to the public along with a Summary of Public Input.