The public is invited to review and provide comments on the draft Cranberry Sustainable Resource Management Plan until Nov. 13, 2011.

The draft plan has been developed to address the sustainable management of land and water resources in the Cranberry Landscape Unit in the western portion of the Kispiox Timber Supply Area.

Once finalized the plan is intended to provide the following:

• Clear management direction to all resource users.
• Efficiency in the allocation, development and use of natural resources by clarifying the timing and nature of activities that can occur in the area.
• Results-based standards that will allow resource users to innovate and employ their professional skills in developing implementation strategies.
• Open information-sharing and consultation with First Nations, stakeholders, the public and government agencies.
• Measurable objectives and indicators that can be tracked over time.

The Cranberry plan area is approximately 205,120 hectares in size. The extensive forests, rivers, lakes and wetlands of the area provide habitat to a diverse number of plants, fish and wildlife.

The Cranberry Sustainable Resource Management Plan was developed in partnership with the Nisga'a Lisims Government, Gitanyow First Nation and provincial government agencies.

Written comments can be sent to Laura Bolster, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Bag 5000, Smithers, BC, V0J 2N0, email: Laura.Bolster@gov.bc.ca until Nov. 13, 2011. A copy of the draft plan and related maps can be viewed online at: http://www.ilmb.gov.bc.ca/slrp/srmp/north/cranberry/index.html

Contact:

Bobby Love
Director, Authorizations
Skeena Region
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 847-7517