Many comments are made on the interaction between timber harvesting and the protection of other non-timber values and uses, and the resulting implications for communities and the local economy. This input is summarized as follows:
non-timber values
One individual says it is essential to find a balance, between, for example, the environmental needs of grizzlies and salmon and those of local residents. He supports a maximum preservation of 10 to 15 per cent of the land base to maintain social and economic stability.
mushroom picking
Four submissions comment on the importance of the mushroom-picking industry in the Kispiox Timber Supply Area, and two express surprise that this forest resource was not recognized in the Forest Service analysis. According to one individual, the pine mushroom industry contributes $2-3 million annually to the local economy. Mushroom picking provides more value and employment in older hemlock forests than wood fibre harvesting.
One individual suggests that areas of old-growth hemlock in visually sensitive areas be set aside for mushroom picking, which is a continuous industry. Another respondent says it is important to await the results of the current five-year study, before harvesting known mushroom patches. He says planning is required to protect this industry because mushrooms only grow in older forests, not in clearcuts and young stands.
employment stability
Two respondents express the opinion that the cost of future job losses resulting from current overcutting is not considered in the Forest Service analysis; this price will be paid by the next generation. Instead, reductions in harvest levels need to begin now in order to protect long-term employment, according to one submission. Another individual points to the wide variation in annual harvest volumes in the past decade, saying this does not contribute to community or job stability.
tourism
According to one submission, the current concentration of logging in the southern portion of the timber supply area is rapidly decreasing the possibility of a tourism base for the local economy. He says economic diversity is important, and less emphasis on timber volumes is required.
Another individual points to the high tourism potential of the timber supply area because of access for all types of tourism, from high-end to eco-adventures. Visual quality is an important feature, says this respondent, who also suggests development of a forest/trail system for both recreation and education on biodiversity.
