Visual quality objectives and scenic areas in the Fraser Timber Supply Area have been revised and will come into effect on April 18. Revisions were made to about 22 per cent of the existing visual quality objectives boundaries in the northern portion of the timber supply area.

The amendments were made under the Forest and Range Practices Act and the Land Act, following public consultations and discussions with First Nations, forestry companies and local stakeholders. These changes were based on revised visual inventory data, which considers factors such as public use, visibility and significant viewpoints, as well as comments submitted during the consultation process.

Refinements to the visual quality objectives were made mainly in the northern portion of Harrison Lake, Stave Lake and Nahatlatch River. Scenic areas were expanded to include the upper portions of Stave Lake as an update to the previous visual landscape inventory.

Visual quality objectives became more restrictive in areas with higher viewing or recreation use, such as Harrison Hot Springs and areas near parks along Alouette Lake and Nahatlatch River. Visual quality objectives became less restrictive in areas that have less viewing or recreational activity, such as the northern portion of Harrison Lake.

Scenic areas are established under the Land Act and define broad geographic areas where scenic values are a priority. Visual quality objectives are defined under the Forest and Range Practices Act's forest planning and practices regulation, and they range from ensuring that no logging activity is visible to logging activity being fully visible.

A map showing the visual quality objectives for the Fraser Timber Supply Area can be viewed online at: http://ow.ly/jZaXU

Learn More:

For more information on visual quality management, visit: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/Docs/Mr/Rec044.htm

Contact:

Brennan Clarke
Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261