uncertainty regarding the volume and availability of the existing merchantable timber
Several respondents pointed out that the timber volumes which the Forest Service analysis projects to be harvested from each hectare in the first 20 years are considerably higher than the volumes that are actually being harvested. In their view, this is an important consideration because the timber supply forecast is extremely sensitive to these estimates. Four respondents suggested this factor supports the case for a significantly lower allowable annual cut. This factor was not addressed in the timber industry critique or in the submissions advocating a minimal allowable annual cut reduction.
uncertainty regarding forest cover requirements to meet integrated resource management guidelines
In the timber industry critique, some of the forested land within the timber supply area that was not included in the timber harvesting land base in the Forest Service analysis was considered in the evaluation of the impacts of the forest cover requirements. These requirements restrict timber harvesting to maintain defined forest conditions for non-timber resources. In the Forest Service analysis, only the area within the timber management land base was included in the assessment of the impacts of the forest cover requirements. The Kootenay Lake Forestry Association and several other respondents felt the approach in the timber industry critique was more accurate.
Conversely, 19 respondents indicated the requirements for old-growth forests, biodiversity, caribou, grizzly bears, visual quality and other values were not adequately accounted for and the impacts of the forest cover requirements had been underestimated in the Forest Service analysis.
effects of a four- or five-pass harvesting system
Two respondents indicated the move to additional harvest passes would reduce the availability of timber.
planning delays
A number of respondents touched on this issue. Several indicated land-use and resource conflicts were likely to increase in the future, exacerbating the existing planning delays and associated timber supply shortages. Others suggested the current planning delays were unnecessary and were a major reason why the actual harvest level had remained well below the allowable annual cut.
