The Columbia Shuswap Regional District asked the B.C. government to put a mechanism in place to ensure local government is consulted on logging in sensitive areas.
The request came after the CSRD Board of Directors discussed the report by the Forest Practices Board on the Begbie Bench logging.
The report, which was written about in the Nov. 13 issue of the Times Review, said Stella-Jones did not adequately consult with local stakeholders prior to logging 60 hectares of forest in the area.
The FPB report recommends that the Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO) work with licensees and plan signatories to either amend local land use plans to reflect current management and legislative obligations, or rescind them.
“This would provide clear direction to licensees, stakeholders and the public on government’s objectives and expectations for activities on B.C.’s Crown land,” the report states.
At the Nov. 14 CSRD board meeting, Area B director Loni Parker re-iterated her stance that Stella-Jones should have consulted with the signees of the 1993 Begbie Falls Integrated Resource Plan. She said Stella-Jones should have gone over and above to have discussion with local government regarding its plans.
Her fellow directors voted unanimously to send a letter to the MFLNRO asking the ministry to ensure local government is consulted when it comes to logging in sensitive areas.