BC Sets New Allowable Annual Cut Level for Area Located Northwest of Squamish

On Thursday, British Columbia’s deputy chief forester announced a new allowable annual cut (AAC) level for Tree Farm License 38 (TFL) located northwest of Squamish.

The new AAC for the TFL is 117,500 m³. This is a reduction from the previous AAC, while remaining well above the average annual harvest level since the last AAC determination, which has averaged just under 72,000 m³ per year.

According to the Ministry of Forests, factors that were considered in making this determination include supporting forestry, wildlife habitat, terrain stability, biodiversity, cultural resources, and ensuring old-growth deferral areas are protected while a long-term management approach is developed.

To maintain sustainable forestry, as well as reflecting that harvest has focused on lower elevations, the new determination includes the following three partitions:

• A maximum of 102,500 m³ per year may be harvested below 1,200 meters in elevation, of which:
  • A maximum of 30,750 m³ per year (30%) may be harvested from stands defined as old forest; and
  • A maximum of 71,750 m³ per year (70%) may be harvested from stands not defined as old forest.

The TFL overlaps the territory of five First Nations, including the Squamish Nation, Lil’wat Nation, Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Klahoose First Nation, and the St’at’imc Chiefs Council, all of which were consulted during the timber supply review process. The deputy chief forester also sought and considered public and industry input.

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

Under the Forest Act, the deputy or chief forester must determine the AAC in each of the province’s 37 timber supply areas and 34 tree farm licenses at least once every 10 years.