In advance of National Forest Week, Sept. 22-28, 2013, Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson has released the following statement.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations advises that prescribed burning is planned for several areas west and south of Williams Lake between Sept. 24 and Oct. 31, weather conditions permitting.

Effective at noon on Friday, Sept. 20, the open burning prohibition in the Southeast Fire Centre will be rescinded, due to a decreased risk of wildfires.

The ministry's South Island Natural Resource District and the Pacific Rim Forest Professional Network are inviting the public to celebrate National Forest Week.

Comments are being accepted until Nov. 19, on a public discussion paper released as part of a comprehensive timber supply review for the Cassiar Timber Supply Area.

Those interested in learning more about the proposed Master Plan updates for the Whistler Blackcomb ski resort are invited to attend an information session.

The Eutsuk Lake wildfire continues to burn actively and smoke from this fire may be visible in Prince George, Quesnel, Williams Lake and surrounding areas.

Users of off-road vehicles, including ATV riders, are reminded to obey recreational use restrictions currently in effect in the Yanks Peak and Eureka Peak sub-alpine areas east of Williams Lake.

Smoke from a large wildfire burning in Tweedsmuir North Provincial Park may be visible in Prince George, Quesnel, Kenney Dam and surrounding areas.

A prescribed burning program is being planned in the South Fork area east of Vernon between Sept. 13 and Oct. 30, 2013, weather conditions permitting.