Effective Nov. 17, 2016, new scenic area and visual quality objectives have been established, under the Forest and Range Practices Act, in the Shannon Creek watershed portion of the Sea to Sky Natural Resource District.

The visual quality objective in one area was changed from ‘retention’ to ‘partial retention’ and in another area from ‘partial retention’ to ‘retention’ so that viewscapes from the recently opened Sea to Sky Gondola are not affected by forestry operations.

The ministry announced the intent to amend visual quality objectives in the Shannon Creek area in June 2016. Members of the public, forest licensees, First Nations, recreational stakeholders, BC Parks and the District of Squamish were given an opportunity to share their comments and provide input into the final decision.

A map showing the scenic and visual quality objectives for the Shannon Creek area and related material can be viewed at: https://www.for.gov.bc.ca/tasb/legsregs/frpa/frparegs/govact/orders/dsq.htm

The Sea to Sky Natural Resource District covers about 1.1 million hectares of land north of the City of Vancouver. It includes the communities of Lions Bay, Squamish, Whistler, Mount Currie, D’Arcy, Pemberton, Britannia Beach, Furry Creek, Port Douglas and Skatin.

Learn more:

A guide to visual-quality objectives in B.C. is available online: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/forestry/visual-resource-mgmt/vrm_a_guide_to_visual_quality_objectives.pdf