Effective immediately, the new allowable annual cut for the Revelstoke timber supply area will be 225,000 cubic metres, chief forester Jim Snetsinger announced today.

The previous allowable annual cut, set in September 2005, was 230,000 cubic metres.

The chief forester's determination is an independent professional judgment based on information ranging from technical forestry reports, First Nations and public input to the government's social and economic goals.

The chief forester must determine how much wood can be harvested in each of the province's 38 timber supply areas and 34 tree farm licences at least once every 10 years.

Quote:

Chief forester Jim Snetsinger -

"The allowable annual cut for the Revelstoke timber supply area will decrease slightly by 5,000 cubic metres to ensure sustainability. In addition to timber supply, this new AAC accounts for a range of other important values, including mountain caribou, biodiversity and other wildlife, as well as social and economic considerations."

Quick Facts:

About the Revelstoke timber supply area

* Covers 527,000 hectares.

* The main tree species are Engelmann spruce, western hemlock, western red cedar and Douglas-fir.

* Downie Street Sawmills is the largest operator in the area followed by BC Timber Sales, Joe Kozek Sawmill and Stella-Jones Canada.

Learn More:

The rationale for the allowable annual cut determination is available online:

http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hts/

Contact:

Media Relations

Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

250 356-5261

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect