The public is invited to review and comment on the draft land use order to establish Old Growth Management Areas in five landscape units in the Sunshine Coast District.

The draft order outlines land use objectives for protecting biological diversity of old growth forests within the Bute West (2,245.1 hectares), Bute East (2,728.2 hectares), Cortes (4,002 hectares), Brittain (2,512.8 hectares) and Howe (2,805.6 hectares) landscape units on Cortes Island and the Sunshine Coast from the Sechelt Peninsula to north of Powell River. The total area covers more than 14,200 hectares.

Maps are available at the South Coast Region Office (10428 153 St.), the Campbell River District Office (370 S. Dogwood St.), the Powell River District Office (7077 Duncan St.) or online at: http://www.ilmb.gov.bc.ca/slrp/legalobjectives/advertisedLUORs.html

Written comments can be sent to:

Frank DeGagne
South Coast Region Office
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
Suite 200, 10428 - 153 St.
Surrey, B.C. V3R 1E1
Email: Frank.degagne@gov.bc.ca

The establishment of land use objectives that protect key resource values such as old growth is a component of the provincial government's approach to managing land use and resource development responsibly.

Media Contact:

Cheekwan Ho
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261