Effective immediately, the new allowable annual cut for the Arrowsmith Timber Supply Area (TSA) is 348,000 cubic metres, chief forester Diane Nicholls announced today.
This is a 10% reduction from the previous cut level of 385,779 cubic metres.
“I am grateful to the First Nations, individuals and companies who have contributed to the process of making my determination,” said Nicholls. “After careful review and discussion, I am satisfied that the new allowable annual cut takes into account the social, cultural and economic factors that are representative of government’s current forest management practices.”
The new allowable annual cut includes three geographic partitions: a maximum of 50,000 cubic metres from the eastern portion of the TSA (Nanaimo and Cowichan timber supply blocks); a maximum of 6,850 cubic metres from the Clayoquot Sound integrated resource management area; and a maximum of 291,150 cubic metres from the western portion of the TSA (Barkley timber supply block).
The reduced cut level reflects the reduction in the timber supply area, with a transfer of treaty settlement lands to the Maa-nulth First Nations, the creation of a First Nations Woodland Licence and the Barkley Sound Community Forest.
The Arrowsmith TSA has 54,444 hectares available for timber harvesting, and is made up of many discrete parcels of land, ranging in size from a few hectares to a few thousand hectares. These parcels are near the Capital Regional District and the communities of Nanaimo, Chemainus, Duncan, Lake Cowichan, North Cowichan, Ladysmith, Nanoose, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Union Bay, Fanny Bay, Port Alberni, Tofino and Ucluelet.
The major tree species in the timber supply area include Douglas fir, western red cedar, and western hemlock.
Quick Facts:
- The chief forester’s allowable annual cut 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.
- Under the Forest Act, the chief forester must determine the allowable annual cut in each of the province’s 37 timber supply areas and 34 tree farm licences at least once every 10 years.
Learn More:
A copy of the allowable annual cut determination is available from the South Island Natural Resource District office, or online: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/managing-our-forest-resources/timber-supply-review-and-allowable-annual-cut/allowable-annual-cut-timber-supply-areas/arrowsmith-tsa