What commercial forestry activities are taking place in the Elk Creek drainage?
The Ministry of Forests approved a Forest Development Plan submitted by Cattermole Timber Ltd. in July 2003. This plan outlines commercial forest activities for the partial cut harvesting of 110 hectares of the approximate 1,200 hectare watershed area that is about 10 per cent of the entire area. About 40,000 cubic metres of second growth timber will be harvested, using selective helicopter logging methods. The plan includes extensive reserves to conserve forest values including wildlife and stream areas. Veteran trees are not being logged, although some may be felled to ensure worker safety. When active forestry activities are complete, the area will be accessible for recreational and tourism use as usual. 2. Why is logging allowed in this watershed? The Elk Creek watershed is part of the provincial timber harvesting land base. As such, it is subject to periodic harvesting. When a licensee proposes a forest development plan, the statutory decision maker must review the plan based on c
