Cherryville residents were able to bend the ear of senior provincial officials about forestry issues.
Dave Peterson, B.C.’s chief forester, as well as Ministry of Forest staff, met with the Cherry Ridge Management Committee which oversees the local community forest.
“We spoke about the community forest in relation to the principles of neighbourly stewardship,” said Hank Cameron, with the committee.
B.C. Timber Sales personnel were present and they presented plans for a road on steep terrain north of the community forest on Cherry Ridge.
The government agency intends to log about 1,200 truckloads from the bench above those slopes.
“There was general discussion about the recent hydrology report and geotechnical assessment,” said Cameron.
“Cherryville representatives shared local information about soils and stream crossings in that area. Ministry personnel were pleased to access meteorological data from the weather stations at the school and Claude Labine’s location.”
During the meeting, Peterson spoke about his impression of Cherryville’s community forest.
“He approves of our policy to invest our proceeds in community projects in collaboration with other local non-profit societies,” said Cameron.
“He spoke about his role as chief forester in setting the level of the provincial timber harvest and its distribution between various tenures.”
Eugene Foisy, regional district director, suggested the committee could help with timber pricing for specific products.
“Our contractors have top-notch skills not only in select harvest but also silviculture and fire control,” said Cameron.
“We know what it costs to renovate abandoned legacy roads including right of way prep, drainage structures, grade construction, surfacing and maintenance. We have supported these projects through the proceeds of our log sales.”
