Open House re: Allowable Annual Cut for the Merritt Timber Supply Area

April 3, 2002
Nicola-Similkameen Innovative Forestry Society
P0 Box 760, #202-1970 Quilchena Avenue
Merritt, B.C. V1K 1B8 Canada
Tel: (250) 315-0301
Fax: (250) 315-0302

 
The Nicola-Similkameen Innovative Forestry Society recently submitted an application to the Ministry of Forests Regional Manager proposing an increase in Allowable Annual Cut for the Merritt Timber Supply Area (TSA).
Before making a final decision, the Regional Manager will review all the data submitted by the Society and consider input from the public.
Your feedback is an important part of the Regional Manager’s decision-making process. We are writing to invite you to attend a Society-sponsored Open House session. The meetings are designed to provide a forum for you to review detailed information regarding the proposed AAC increase and the impact that it may have on you and your community. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide formal feedback to the Regional Manager. We are looking forward to meeting with you at one of the following sessions.
 
Open House Schedule:
April 11-- Merritt Civic Centre,
Room # 2, 9:00 A.M.. to 9:00 P.M. with formal presentation at 7 P.M.
April 16-- Princeton Community Skills Centre,
Granby Room, 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.. with formal presentation at 7
P.M.
 
You may also view the AAC Application document and provide your comments by logging onto the Society’s web site at www.nsifs.bc.ca or by calling the Society’s office at (250) 315-0301 between April 1 and April 28.
 
Background In 1996, the BC Government introduced the Innovative Forestry Practices Agreement (IFPA). The IFPAs are pilot programs that give forest license holders and opportunity to develop and test leading edge forestry and resource management practices. The objective behind the program is to improve forest management practices and develop environmentally advanced ways to increase the sustainable harvest levels of BC forests.
Six major forest licensees within the Merritt Timber Supply Area currently hold IFPAs. Seeing the advantage in working together, the six licensees formed the Nicola Similkameen Innovative Forestry Society in order to manage all IFPAs as one land base.
 
Society members include:

• Ardew Forest Products Ltd.
• Aspen Planers Ltd.
• Nicola Tribal Association (representing 8 Indian Bands)
• Ministry of Forests Small Business Enterprise Program
• Riverside Forest Products Ltd.
• Tolko Industries Ltd.
• Upper Similkameen Indian Band
• Weyerhaeuser 9135 Investments Ltd.