Notice is hereby given that Skwlax te Secwepemculecw (SteS) is making available for a viewing an amendment to the Interfor Corporation – Thompson Rivers District Forest Stewardship Plan (FSP ID 743). The amendment is to Section 5.7.2 under the Visual Quality in Scenic Areas with established VQO of the FSP and is required as the Visual Quality Objectives (FPRR section 1.1) established by Government cannot be achieved under the current conditions.
In August 2023 the Bush Creek East Wildfire (K21633) burned through the southern portion of Adams Lake on both sides resulting in significant fire impacted areas ranging from lightly burned to high burn severity. The result was, a significant alteration to the visual landscape. This naturally occurring fire started by lightning on July 12, 2023 has resulted in the need to salvage considerable volume in visually sensitive areas in close proximity to communities and the Interfor mill site. Consistent with the Visual Impact Assessment Guidebook “an acceptable rationale can be submitted to support alterations beyond” the established suggested ranges. This rationale is intended to summarize the challenges and considerations for amending FSP 743 to increase the visual acuity and scale associated with salvage harvesting within significantly impacted visual landscape inventory polygons as identified in the proposed amendment.
Public review is limited to 10 days as this is an expedited major salvage of fire damaged timber. As such, the proposed amendments will be made available for public review and comments weekdays from September 26, 2024 to October 10, 2024, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Skwlax te Secwepemc band office located at 1886 Little Shuswap Road, Chase, BC V0E 1M2. If any interested parties are unable to review the proposed amendment during the above noted times, arrangements can be made to view the plan at a time convenient for them. To be considered for inclusion into the amendment, written comments must be received by October 10, 2024, and should be addressed to:
Domenic Fiorenza, RPF
TRS Executive Director/Forestry Manager Skwlax te Secwepemculecw
1886 Little Shuswap Lake Rd.
Chase, BC V0E 1M2
