BC Timber Sales and the City of Revelstoke are hosting an open house to allow people to review and provide feedback on logging plans for Mt. Macpherson.
BCTS plans on harvesting a cutblock on Macpherson in 2016 that would impact several mountain biking and Nordic ski trails.
Last month, BCTS presented detailed harvesting plans, including proposed cutblock layout to the Revelstoke Cycling Association. The plan would include a buffer that would protect the TNT trail.
On October 7, the public will have the chance to provide feedback on the plans. Feedback will be considered before logging begins next year, but don’t expect substantial changes or a halt to operations.
“We will listen to what’s said at the meeting,” said Colin Johnston of BCTS. “That’s all I can commit to. I’m not going to say we’re going to re-draw the plans because somebody doesn’t like them.”
The online petition that asked for a moratorium on logging plans until a new land-use plan is developed will not be considered, said Johnston.
“The Minister has spoken to that many times,” he said. “The land is scheduled for multiple use, it’s a working forest, all values are important and that’s how we’re managing it.”
Steve Thomson, the Minister of Forests, Lands & Natural Resource Operations, told the Review in May that there would be no new land-use plan for Macpherson, despite the fact more than 1,600 people signed the petition.
Mayor Mark McKee said he welcomed the upcoming open house. “The city is pleased that the province recognizes how important the public consultation process is and that recreational values are respected and the primary users are involved in the planning process,” he said in a news release.
City council has asked the province to look at the land-use plan for Macpherson, a request rejected by Minister Thomson.
McKee told the Review a request for a meeting with the minister at next week’s Union of BC Municipalities convention was denied. He said he still wants to raise long-term planning issues with Thomson.
“Our goal is to work with the ministry and have them recognize these values in the short-term and the long-term,” he said. “I’m hoping that will satisfy the majority of the recreational users, which I think it will.”
The open house takes place at the community centre on Wednesday, October 7, from 12–8 p.m.