B.C. Government Offers 4 Possible Scenarios for Lake Timber Supply Area Apportionment

The British Columbia government has been in dialogue with stakeholders over four possible scenarios for the Lake Timber Supply Area (TSA) apportionment. The Annual Allowable Cut (ACC) of timber for the Burns Lake region was reduced by -41% in 2019, from the previous ACC; however, at that point, the apportionment of AAC between timber license holders was not yet made. The process of determining the apportionment finally began late last year with the province proposing four possible scenarios for the apportionment. The four scenarios are being proposed as a way for lasting and comprehensive solutions to reconcile First Nations rights, title, and interests. The new determination for the Lakes Timber Supply Area (TSA) as determined in 2019 is at 970,000 cubic meters. In commenting on the process, Dolores Funk, the mayor of Burns Lake said, “The province seems to be looking at apportionment as a vehicle for reconciliation. We wholeheartedly support efforts to reconcile and are asking for assurances that as these transitions occur, the stability and viability of all our communities, is maintained.” Funk went onto say that, “The Minister may choose any of the four scenarios, or any other that they determine to be desirable.” Adding that, while it was really early to say how exactly any of the scenarios would impact the region, “scenario 1 represents the least impact to our current operations.”