Comments are being accepted until Aug. 23, 2019, on proposed resource objectives for Pipi7iyekw, an old-growth forest and sensitive area located in the shared territory of Lil’wat and St’at’imc Nations, in the Cascades Natural Resource District.

The proposed area for protection totals 864 hectares and is located adjacent to the recently established Nlhaxten/Cerise Creek Conservancy.

The proposed resource objectives will protect large stands of old-growth forests and sensitive ecosystems, which are important for conserving biodiversity. They will also protect and support ongoing traditional gathering activities by Indigenous peoples and preserve unique Lil’wat and St’at’imc Nation cultural landmarks within their traditional territory.

In 2008, the Province and Lil’wat Nation entered into a land use planning agreement (LUPA), associated with the Sea-to-Sky Land and Resource Management Plan. The LUPA includes a commitment for Lil’wat to identify up to 2,000 hectares of “old-growth forest and sensitive areas” within their territory for protection. To date, 1,074 hectares of the 2,000-hectare amount have been established.

The public is invited to comment on the proposed resource objectives over a 60-day review period, ending on Aug. 23, 2019. Public feedback will be considered prior to implementation.  

The proposed ministerial order may be viewed at FrontCounter BC in Kamloops at 441 Columbia St. and online: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/crown-land-water/land-use-planning/public-review-comment

Other arrangements to view the proposed ministerial order can be made by contacting Frank DeGagne at 604 898-2131.

Written comments may be sent by mail to Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, 101-42000 Loggers Lane, Squamish B.C. V8B 0H6, or by email: frank.degagne@gov.bc.ca