BC Sets New Allowable Annual Cut for the Lillooet Timber Supply Area

British Columbia’s chief forester has set a new allowable annual cut (AAC) level for the Lillooet Timber Supply Area (TSA). The new AAC, which takes effect immediately, is 375,000 cubic meters. This is a 34% reduction from the previous AAC, while still remaining 9% above the 2016–21 harvesting levels.

According to the BC Ministry of Forests, the change brings the Lillooet AAC in line with recent harvest levels; supports old growth management areas, riparian areas, and wildlife habitat areas; and accounts for the First Nation’s cultural heritage resources and practices.

Within the Lillooet AAC, there are two partitions specified that support sustainable use of timber resources: a maximum of 300,000 cubic meters from live trees; and a maximum of 180,000 cubic meters from live trees where the ground is sloped less than 40% to ensure the sustainable harvest of areas with easier access.

The chief forester’s AAC determination is an independent professional judgment based on information ranging from technical forestry reports, First Nation consultation, and public input to the government’s social and economic objectives.