Representatives from forestry company Stella-Jones are trying to boost communications before a planned cut on Boulder Mountain. They are trying to avoid a repeat of the controversy that came with logging in the vicinity of recreation areas near Mount Macpherson in 2012.
They held an open house at the Revelstoke Community Centre on Jan. 31, where three company foresters were on hand to discuss plans for logging on the mountain.
The cuts are visible from Revelstoke, and they will also impact some popular downhill mountain biking trails.
Forester Pat McMechan explained that the company was harvesting blowdown and fir beetle-infected areas.
A previous cut on Boulder several years ago covered about 45 hectares. This time, Stella-Jones plans to clear about 13 hectares.
McMechan said the area contains about 60 per cent Douglas fir, and about 50 per cent of that amount is beetle infested.
“That is visible. It’s probably more than that,” he said.
In addition to the visual impact from Revelstoke, some bike trails will be impacted.
A 50-metre section of Redneck’s Revenge will be affected, and a 200-metre section of Iron Lotus will also be impacted.
A new logging road will cross the Snakes and Ladders trail and the Redneck’s Revenge trail.
McMechan said the company had consulted with the Revelstoke Cycling Association about the logging plans. Stella-Jones will work on a rehabilitation plan once harvesting is done.
The representatives noted they haven’t yet submitted a harvesting proposal to provincial authorities, and are gathering input first.
About 20–30 people attended the three-hour open house at the Revelstoke Community Centre on Jan. 31.