Creating a new Timber Supply Area
Three respondents support the creation of a new timber supply area. One suggests dividing the Kalum Timber Supply Area allowable annual cut between north and south based on the boundaries identified for the Kalum North area. Another respondent indicates the new timber supply area should be created only if it is economical.
Two respondents suggest adding parts of the Cassiar Timber Supply Area to the Kalum North (Nass) area and increasing the harvest level to reflect this addition. Another notes any boundary changes should have been rationalized prior to the Timber Supply Review.
Two respondents suggest Stewart should be the headquarters of the new Kalum North (Nass) timber supply area; another suggests the location should be central; a third indicates the existing Kalum Forest District office is appropriate.
One respondent questions the validity of creating a new timber supply area in light of the uncertainties relating to First Nations treaty negotiations and the Forest Service analysis.
Priorities within the new timber supply area are offered:
• two respondents suggest improving inventories; one of these also emphasized the need for planning
• one submission recommends that comparisons of historical harvest rates should be completed, with an examination of whether forest management objectives are being met. Additionally, the new unit should foster economic growth and diversification based on local timber utilization
Nisga'a involvement in the Timber Supply Review
Two respondents question the validity of the Nisga'a analysis, citing specific examples. Concern was expressed about the special appendix for the Nisga'a Tribal Council in the Discussion Paper, about section 8.4 of the Interim Protection Measures Agreement with the Nisga'a Tribal Council, and the Minister of Forests' letter to the Nisga'a Tribal Council which states ‘a very significant reduction in the allowable annual cut (in the Kalum-North(Nass)) will undoubtedly be necessary’. Another respondent notes a balance is required between resource management planning and equal authority for Aboriginal perspectives.
Allowable annual cut adjustment
Suggestions were provided on whether and how the allowable annual cut should be adjusted:
• two submissions respondents advocate a reduction in the allowable annual cut- one suggested a reduction to the long-term sustainable timber supply level in the Forest Service analysis; another recommended a 25 to 30 per cent reduction
• one respondent indicates the current allowable annual cut should be maintained, and urged moderation in the event that it is reduced
One submission suggests the existence of uncut timber in the Forest Service Reserve means that available timber supply is higher than estimated, and that this may compensate for any overestimation in the existing mature timber. Another notes this timber should not be included in the determination until a license is granted for harvesting.
There was some concern about the adequacy of the information and the analysis. Two respondents note that improved information and analysis clarify the need for immediate are required before the allowable annual cut is reduced.
One respondent indicates the Kalum North (Nass) allowable annual cut should not be determined in isolation from the surrounding areas; it should not make up for timber supply shortages elsewhere, nor be artificially high unless a local processing sector is developed. Another submission notes the allowable annual cut must be determined apolitically.
