Eighty-seven per cent of the submissions (including the Shuswap Okanagan Forest Association and the Interior Lumber Manufacturers' Association) say the allowable annual cut should be maintained, for the following main reasons:
·importance of forest industry to communities
The predominant concern is the potential effect of a reduction in the allowable annual cut on the economies and standard of living of Okanagan Timber Supply Area communities. A total of 393 respondents suggest that:
• the economic health and stability of area communities are dependent on the forest industry
• no job loss should occur
• families depend on the forest industry
• well-paid jobs such as those in forest industry are hard to find
• the unemployment rate would increase and social programs would suffer if the allowable annual cut was reduced
ease transition
To lessen the economic impact and give communities time to implement transition strategies in response to reduced harvest levels
analyses indicate the present allowable annual cut can be maintained for 20 years
Based on the Forest Service analysis and other studies conducted, 146 respondents state there is no need to reduce the allowable annual cut immediately.
confidence in current management and utilization practices
Based on personal observation and opinion, 68 respondents express confidence in current management practices and the sustainability of the timber supply.
further review is needed
Thirty respondents acknowledge the difficulty of evaluating timber supply when other government initiatives are underway. They suggest the impacts of regional land use plans, the Forest Practices Code, the Protected Areas Strategy, the Forest Renewal Plan and visual quality objectives to be thoroughly assessed before adjusting the allowable annual cut. A review of specific items such as growth rates, managed stand data, timber volumes and social impacts is recommended.
insects and disease
If the allowable annual cut is reduced, extensive areas of mature or over-mature timber would be more susceptible to insects, disease and fire, according to 36 submissions; these forests should be harvested while they are sound.
improved silviculture and forest management
Due to new and improved silviculture methods and forest management and initiatives under the Forest Renewal Plan, 26 respondents believe wood supply will either be maintained or will increase in the future. Therefore, they indicate there is no need to reduce the allowable annual cut and that it may be possible to increase it in years to come.
