Editor:
I am writing in response to Ross Muirhead’s letter regarding the Elphinstone Highlands cutblock TA0519 (“What does ‘administrative error’ mean?” Coast Reporter, July 11). While Mr. Muirhead suggests that BC Timber Sales (BCTS) is “backing away” from this cutblock due to an “administrative error,” this is a misinterpretation of the situation.
The administrative error he refers to pertains to the timeline for developing and receiving approval for the stocking standards for this block from the Ministry of Forests. Such approvals are a rigorous and often lengthy process, and the anticipated approval date simply did not align with the original timber auction schedule. This is a matter of procedure and due diligence, not a withdrawal from the cutblock. I expect that BCTS is committed to ensuring all necessary approvals and standards are met.
Furthermore, Mr. Muirhead’s assertions about the capabilities of feller bunchers in commercial thinning do not fully account for modern forestry practices. While he may have a particular perspective, many BCTS contractors utilize a range of equipment, including smaller machines and specialized tools, specifically designed for thinning operations in various stand types. It is important to recognize that BCTS Foresters are knowledgeable professionals with expertise in achieving desired outcomes for forest management.
I commend the Elphinstone Community Association for having the public meeting with BCTS and being engaged in objective, meaningful conversations. This thinning operation represents a move towards more active and nuanced forest management, which is a direction that has been widely requested for our forests. We have asked for our forests to be managed differently, and this is an example of that evolution.
Warren Hansen
Langdale
