Kamloops TSA. Sustainable Forest Management Plan. Annual Monitoring Report January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2004

Transcription

1 Kamloops TSA Sustainable Forest Management Plan Annual Monitoring Report January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2004 Released March 2005

2 Cover Photo: Thunder River, harvest completed on Gilbert Smith Forest Product's CP A, Block 5. A Caribou wildlife corridor is located along this valley. The block closely mimics openings, such as the slide chute to the left. Wildlife tree retention is visible throughout the block. PARTICIPATING Forest Licensees: Ainsworth Lumber Co. Ltd. Bell Pole Co. Chasm Sawmills, A Division of West Fraser Mills Ltd. Headwaters & Kamloops District BC Timber Sales Gilbert Smith Forest Products Ltd. Interfor, Adams Lake Lumber Meeker Log and Timber Simpcw Development Corporation Ltd. Canfor Corporation. Tolko Industries Ltd. Weyerhaeuser Co. Ltd.

3 Table of Contents 1.0 BACKGROUND CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVOLVEMENT HIGHLIGHTS LICENCEE REPORTING...5 A) NON-REPLACEABLE FOREST LICENCE REPORTING PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE SUMMARY BY INDICATOR AND TARGETS...7 APPENDIX I: CSA REGISTERED LICENCEE SUMMARY REPORTS...22 APPENDIX II ADVISORY GROUP EVALUATION SUMMARY APPENDIX III SUMMARY OF RESEARCH...29 APPENDIX IV: FIRST NATIONS RELATIONSHIP EXAMPLES...31 Kamloops TSA SFM 2004 Monitoring Report 3

4 1.0 Background Between February and August 2000, all forest licensees operating in the Kamloops Timber Supply Area (TSA) worked with a dedicated group of public stakeholders to develop a Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) plan for the TSA. Members of the SFM Advisory Group reflected a cross-section of local interests including environmental organizations, First Nations, resourcebased interests and research specialists. Vision Statement The Kamloops TSA Sustainable Forest Management Plan will foster forest management practices, based on science and local public and First Nations input,that contribute to the long-term health and productivity of forest resources, a strong economy, and thriving communities throughout the Kamloops TSA. Any licensee wishing to become registered to the Canada s national standard, known as CAN/CSA-Z could use the plan, in part, to meet forest certification requirements. The SFM Plan was updated to the new CAN/CSA-Z standard in The SFM Plan serves as a roadmap to current and long-term management in the TSA, setting performance objectives and management strategies that reflect the ecological and social values across the TSA. It is consistent with the Kamloops Land and Resource Management Plan. 2.0 Continual Improvement The SFM Plan contains 29 indicators for sustainable forest management. Targets for these indicators will be monitored annually based on information provided by each licensee. Annual monitoring reports prepared each spring will indicate whether performance measures for each of the indicators have been met. The Kamloops SFM Monitoring Report can be found at the following web site: The effectiveness of the SFM Plan will continually be improved by reviewing annual monitoring results. This review will provide licensees and the public with an opportunity to bring forward new information and to provide input concerning new or changing public values that can be incorporated into future updates of the SFM Plan. Performance measures (indicators and targets) may also change as additional information becomes available. 3.0 Opportunities for Involvement More information about sustainable forest management in the Kamloops TSA (including a copy of the SFM Plan) is available on the Kamloops TSA Certification website: If you wish to be further involved or wish to know about the annual performance results, please contact one of the licensees participating in this initiative (see back of cover page). Kamloops TSA SFM 2004 Monitoring Report 4

5 4.0 Highlights 2004 The following summarizes highlights from the Kamloops TSA 2004 Sustainable Forest monitoring period: Reporting completed for all Non-replaceable Forest Licences issued to salvage fire damaged timber. Provision of wildlife tree patches or individual wildlife trees in 86 percent of the cutblocks greater than 5 hectares in size. This is up from 84% in the previous year. Regeneration of harvested blocks occurred within 19.7 months, on average, from the time of harvesting compared to the 2003 result of 22 months. The harvested area occupied by permanent roads and landings was 3.7 percent of the total harvest area compared to the target of 6 percent. Soil disturbance objectives were met on 100% of the area harvested. There are six licencees with a total of eleven third party registrations in the Kamloops TSA. Targets were not achieved for 3 Indicators (2, 15, 24). See Section 5.1 for more detail on all performance indicators and targets. 4.1 Licencee Reporting Sustainable Forest Management Plan reporting for the 2004 period was completed by eleven major licencees as well as seven Non-replaceable Forest Licencees who salvaged fire damaged timber during the 2004 period. These licences are located throughout the Kamloops Timber Supply Area. Some licencees have more than one licence, consequently have combined their reporting for each licence into one company report. The Kamloops and Clearwater District Woodlot Associations did not report on the 2004 period, as there was not enough participation to provide accurate results. a) Non-Replaceable Forest Licence Reporting During the 2004 SFM Plan reporting period, seven Non-replaceable Forest Licences (NRFL) were awarded to salvage timber that was damaged by the 2003 forest fires. Five of these NRFLs were awarded to First Nations while the other two were competitively awarded. The Ministry of Forest committed the NRFL holders to report their performance against the SFM Indicators and Targets in the Kamloops TSA. NRFL holders reported on a subset of the SFM Plan indicators that were agreed to with the PAG. All seven NRFLs reported on all Indicators except indicators 1, 3, 7, 8, 12, 16, 17, 20, 24, and 26 to 29. Kamloops TSA SFM 2004 Monitoring Report 5

6 5.0 Performance 2004 Environmental, social and economic performance was assessed according to the six criteria in the CSA standard. Annual performance related to the implementation of the SFM plan is determined by the extent to which targets for individual Indicators have been met. The overall achievement of sustainable forest management is assessed by reviewing progress toward the values and objectives identified for each of the criterion in the SFM plan. Since Indicators and targets have been established for each of the goals relating to the criterion, an assessment of progress towards sustainable forest management can be made by reviewing the collective achievement of the indicator results for each of the criterion. The 6 criteria included in the CSA standard define the broad parameters of sustainable forest management (i.e. biological diversity, forest ecosystem condition and productivity, soil and water resources, contributions to global ecological cycles, benefits to society, and society s responsibility for sustainable development). A summary of the performance results for the indicators relating to each of the CSA criterion is provided as follows. Specific details on all performance indicators and the targets are provided in Section 5.1. Criterion Related Indicator 1. Conservation of Biological Diversity 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 12, 18, Maintenance of Forest Ecosystem Condition and Productivity % of Indicators Met 90% 1, 4, 7, 9, 21, 22 86% 3. Conservation of Soil and Water Resources 5, 6, 10, 13, 14 71% 4. Forest Ecosystem Contribution to Global Ecological Cycles 1, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 21, % 5. Multiple Benefits to Society 11, 12, 16, 17, 19, 20, 23, 25, 27, Accepting Society s Responsibility for Sustainable Development 12, 16, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 100% 89% During the 2004 SFM Plan Reporting Period, four new indicators (21,22,26,27a) were included in the SFM Plan. Kamloops TSA SFM 2004 Monitoring Report 6

7 Performance Summary by Indicator and Targets In an SFM Plan, Indicators and Targets provide the performance measures that are to be met through on-the-ground forest management activities. Full compliance is required for many indicators i.e., there is no variance. Where full compliance may not be achievable, an acceptable level of variance is indicated for the indicator. Indicators are measures to assess progress toward a value and objective. Targets are specific short-term (one or two year) commitments to measure progress against identified indicators. Indicator: (1) Achievement of the TSA s old forest strategy. Operations will respect the LRMP s objectives for retaining old forest as a component of seral stage distribution by landscape unit. All licensees met the intent of the Kamloops LRMP for old forest retention. Indicator (1) forms part of the overall strategy to manage for biodiversity at the landscape and stand level. High, intermediate and low biodiversity emphasis options and corresponding targets for Old Growth Management Areas (OGMA s) have been assigned to each of the 33 landscape units in the LRMP area. Indicator: (2) Level of conformance to riparian management area and lakeshore commitments contained within plans. Contribute to connectivity goals through full compliance with or exceeding FPC riparian management area requirements and Kamloops and Clearwater Districts riparian and lakeshore policies. A total of 12,612 hectares of cutblocks and right-of-ways harvested, with 2 riparian infractions. This is within the 5% variance allowed by this Target. Variance: Minus 5 percent The two infractions were issued violation tickets for harvesting wood within a Riparian Management Zone and a Riparian Reserve Zone. This harvesting was contrary to the site plan prescriptions. There was no damage to the site and no re-mediation action required. Indicator (2) forms part of the overall strategy to manage for biodiversity at the landscape and stand levels. Riparian management areas provide connectivity of forested cover along waterways, which are generally areas with high value for wildlife habitat and movement. Kamloops TSA SFM 2004 Monitoring Report 7

8 Indicator: (3) Level of FPC compliance with caribou strategies. Full compliance with LRMP caribou strategy. All five licensees who harvested within the LRMP Caribou Strategy Area conducted their operations in accordance with the Caribou Management Strategies. A total of 569 ha were harvested within Caribou Management Strategy area. Variance: As provided for within the legal framework. Indicator (3) Caribou is one of the species identified in the provincial Identified Wildlife Management Strategy (IWMS) and strategic direction for management of caribou habitat is provided in the Kamloops LRMP. Operations are not precluded within designated caribou corridors and their boundaries can be adjusted. Indicator: (4) Percent of cutblocks greater than 5 hectares that have individual wildlife trees/stubs and/or associated wildlife tree patches upon completion of harvest. Provision for the location and distribution of patches or individual wildlife/leave trees by ensuring 80 percent of cutblocks greater than 5 hectares will have individual wildlife trees/stubs and/or associated wildlife tree patches. Variance: Acceptable Range is between 70 and 100 percent. Eighty six percent of harvested cutblocks greater than 5 hectares in size have Wildlife Tree Patches (WTP s) and/or individual wildlife/leave trees identified in operational plans. Of the 512 cutblocks harvested, 73 blocks were salvaged for beetle infestation, blowdown or fire damaged timber. Harvest area showing leave tree strategy for wildlife/visual objectives Percent of cutblocks with WTPs 100% 90% 80% 70% % of cutblocks 60% 50% 40% % 30% 20% 10% 0% Year Kamloops TSA SFM 2004 Monitoring Report 8

9 Indicator (4) focuses on management for biodiversity at the stand level. Note that wildlife tree patches may be located outside of cutblocks, along their edge, and still be consistent with provincial policy on wildlife tree retention. Indicator: (5) Percent of cutblocks consistent with coarse woody debris requirements in plans. 100 percent of cutblocks will be consistent with coarse woody debris requirements contained in plans (e.g. Forest Development Plans, Site Plans, and Silviculture Prescription). A total of 602 cutblocks were harvested during the reporting period. 602 cutblocks or 100 percent of the harvested cutblocks met the requirements contained in the plan. Indicator (5) This indicator addresses the need to maintain structural features of forest ecosystems at the stand level. Indicator: (6) Average regeneration period from time of harvest. Regeneration established within three years or less on average from time of harvest. Variance: 12 months beyond 3 year target. Average regeneration delay was 19.8 months (1.6 years). The 2004 result is less than the 22 months reported in Months Regeneration Delay Target = 36 month Years Indicator (6) Prompt reforestation ensures that the productive capacity of forest landbase to grow trees is maintained. Licensees will follow guidelines specifying tree species that are most suited ecologically to maintain natural forest composition in an area. Indicator: (7) Level of compliance with management strategies for all known rare ecosystems. Full Compliance with management strategies for all known rare ecosystems. Rare Ecosystems have not been made known within operating licence areas. Kamloops TSA SFM 2004 Monitoring Report 9

10 Indicator (7) Where known rare ecosystems have been identified, government agencies will define a management strategy. Licensees must follow the intent and direction set forth in the strategy. Rare ecosystems are also those defined through government processes and identified as known information under the Forest Practices Code. Indicator: (8) Level of conformance with management strategies for all identified wildlife (under IWMS). 100 % conformance with management strategies for those species identified in the Identified Wildlife Management Strategy (IWMS). 100% of licencees with IWMS species in their operating areas followed appropriate management strategies. Harvesting occurred on ha that required an IWMS. Indicator (8) The IWMS provides guidelines for managing specific plant and animal species that are currently considered threatened or endangered. Indicator (9) Age class distribution for coniferous species and percent of land base for broadleaf species. No net loss for broadleaf. The following table outlines the amount of area in each age class (Timber Supply Review II report, 2001) within the Kamloops TSA. The distribution identifies both forested non-timber harvesting as well as timber harvesting landbases. area ('000s hectares) current age class distribution forested non-timber harvesting land base timber harvesting land base stand age in 10 year classes (years) Kamloops TSA SFM 2004 Monitoring Report 10

11 The Kamloops Timber Supply Area s (TSA) productive forested landbase is 1,409,110 hectares. The amount of area where broadleaf species (i.e. aspen or birch) are leading is 37,878 hectares or 2.7 percent of the landbase. The landbase and age class distribution is recalculated every 5 years. Indicator (9) Maintain the deciduous species through individual tree and patch retention and through natural regeneration in harvested areas. Indicator: (10) Annual percent of harvested areas in permanent access structures (e.g. roads and landings). Less than 6 percent, on average, of harvested areas will be in permanent roads and landings. The percentage of roads and landings within the total harvested area averaged 3.7 percent. This is consistent with last years report. (Note: Recommended target is 7%) A total of 15,577 ha were harvested in New, permanent road and landing construction occupy 570.8ha of land. Percent Roads and Landings 8.0% 7.0% Recommended Target - 7.0% 6.0% Percent 5.0% 4.0% 3.0% 4.2% 4.1% 3.7% 3.7% 3.7% 2.0% 1.0% 0.0% Years Indicator (10) Access structures such as roads and landings compact soil, making regeneration difficult, and disrupt the natural connectivity within forest stands. The percent target refers specifically to loss of the timber harvesting land base due to access structures within harvested areas. Kamloops TSA SFM 2004 Monitoring Report 11

12 Indicator: (11) Annual harvest level relative to annual allocation. Harvest the annual cut allocation for the year consistent with the Cut Control Regulation and Policy. Variance: According to Cut Control Regulations and Policy The volume harvested in 2004 was 3,156,277 cubic metres, which is 99 percent of the allocated volume of 3,187,612 cubic metres, well within the 50 percent variance allowed by cut control regulation. The AAC increased 229,414 m3/yr between 2003 and This increase can be attributed to salvaging fire and beetle damaged wood. Overall delivered volume increased 556,152m3 between 2003 and 2004 due salvaging of fire-damaged timber. Annual Allowable Cut vs. Cut Control 3,500,000 Annual Allowable Cut (m3/yr) 3,000,000 2,906,313 2,858,079 2,958,198 3,187,612 2,500,000 2,000,000 m3 1,500,000 2,529,911 2,835,051 2,600,125 3,156,277 1,000, , Year Indicator (11) The Chief Forester determines the sustainable harvest level for the TSA after considering social, economic and biological criteria. Licensees contribute to the sustainable harvest level by adhering to their apportioned harvest volume within the TSA. Cut control regulations dictate the short-term harvest flexibility. Kamloops TSA SFM 2004 Monitoring Report 12

13 Indicator: (12) Incorporation of traditional knowledge, non-timber resources, and cultural and spiritual values in forest planning, where available. Target (12a): Open communications with local First Nations during Forest Development Plan reviews will assist with the management of traditional knowledge, non-timber resources, and cultural and heritage values. Target (12b) All licensees harvesting or operating during the reporting period communicated with local First Nations during Development Plan reviews. # of meetings and meaningful communications 42 TSA Licensees respond to all written requests for communication from First Nations # of cutblocks where specific actions were requested and taken 21 T a r g e t ( 1 2 c ) Incorporation of traditional knowledge, non-timber resources, and cultural and spiritual values in forest planning, where available. # of written requests for communication was seven while the number of responses was seven. Indicator (12) recognizes the importance of managing for non-timber resources, including cultural and heritage resources, during forestry operations. Indicator: (13) Level of conformance with soil conservation commitments contained within plans. 100 percent conformance to soil conservation measures contained within plans. Soil disturbance objectives were met on all 14,162 hectares of harvested cutblocks. Indicator (13) addresses the impacts of forestry operations on soil productivity. Soil compaction and displacement are components of soil disturbance. Kamloops TSA SFM 2004 Monitoring Report 13

14 Indicator: (14) Number of months for road cut and fill slope seeding application. All planned road cut and fill slope seeding application carried out within 12 months of completed road construction on suitable sites. Variance: 3 months Seeding Application 4 Target = 12 months Road cuts and fill slopes were seeded or planted on average within 3.6 months of disturbance, compared to a target of 12 months Indicator (14) Prompt revegetation of road cuts and fill slopes will 3 minimize potential for soil movement and sedimentation. This will contribute to maintenance of water quality and long-term productivity of the land. Prompt revegetation of harvested areas Years will also contribute to noxious weed control. Indicator: (15) Percent of status roads inspected in accordance with schedule. Manage water quality and erosion control by ensuring that 100 percent of status roads (temporary and permanent) are assessed for level of risk and that the frequency of inspections occurs at planned levels commensurate with level of risk. Variance: Minus 2 percent for high risk rated roads, minus 10 percent for moderate risk and minus 20 percent for low risk. # of months Explanation: In the Define Forested Area, there is 10,667 kms of maintained forest road with risk ratings that helps guide the rate of inspections. All licencees conducted inspections on their roads. In some cases documentation around road inspections did not occur as planned. All Licencees conducted road inspections, however, where licencees did not have a formal road risk rating system, they were not able to track the number of actual or planned inspections. Indicator (15) recognizes the potential impact of roaded access on forests and waterways. Indicator: (16) Level of participation in the annual reporting of results and the number of advisory group meetings held annually. 100 percent participation in the SFM Plan monitoring process and hold at least one meeting per year with the SFM Public Advisory Group to review results. Kamloops TSA SFM 2004 Monitoring Report 14

15 The SFM Monitoring Report for 2003 was presented to the PAG in March There were two meetings and one field trip in Indicator (16) indicates a commitment of Licensees to develop a Sustainable Forest Management Plan, irrespective of whether or not they intend to pursue formal certification. This will ensure consistency of sustainable forest management across the TSA. Indicator: (17) Number of registrations to a recognized third party certification. Maintain and/or increase the number of registrations to a recognized third party certification. Six licensees are registered to a recognized third party certification. Four of the six licensees are registered to more than one certification system. Certification types include International Organization of Standards (ISO) 14001, Canadian Standards Association Z809, and Sustainable Forestry Initiative. Number of 3rd Party Registrations # of registrations Years Indicator (17) recognizes the importance of certification to provide assurance to consumers that forest products originate from sustainably managed forests. Indicator: (18) Protected Ecosystems 12% Protected Area as last reported by a Timber Supply Review.. Kamloops TSA SFM 2004 Monitoring Report 15

16 632,423.1 hectares are maintained as Protected Area (data to come from current TSR July 2001). This is 23.7% of the Kamloops TSA Landbase. Indicator (18): Part of the overall strategy to manage for biodiversity at the landscape level. The Protected Areas strategy is designed to protect viable, representative examples of British Columbia's natural Indicator: (19) Percent of affected ranchers with whom meetings are held. Where forest operations are planned within range units, the forest licensee will meet annually with the rancher to help ensure forest operations will not adversely affect existing animal unit months (AUMs). Variance: Minus 10 percent of 90 percent target percent of ranchers affected by planned operations were communicated with during the reporting period, which is the same as reported in Indicator (19): Forestry operations often overlap range tenures and the outcome of operational activities can potentially have a significant effect on range use. Indicator: (20) Level of conformance to strategies in plans designed to achieve preservation, retention and partial retention of visual quality objectives. 100 percent conformance to strategies contained in plans. Variance: Minus 5 percent 100% of the cutblocks harvested with visual quality objectives met their planned objectives. In some instances these objectives were exceeded due to forest health concerns. Indicator (20): Visual quality objectives define the amount of visual alteration acceptable from a given viewpoint. The choice of scenic areas and significant viewpoints is based on social preferences. Indicator: (21). Mean Annual Increment. Maintain the long term productivity of the forest as measured by the mean annual increment (m3/ha/yr) for Lodgepole pine. Kamloops TSA SFM 2004 Monitoring Report 16

17 The current mean annual increment for Lodgepole Pine in the Kamloops TSA is 1.86 m3/ha/yr. This value is taken from the Kamloops TSR II Report (July 2001) and is recalculated periodically. Indicator (21): Mean Annual Increment is an indicator of the sustainability of management practices and the productivity of ecosystems. Indicator: (22) Forest Age Class Distribution. Maintain a stable forest age class distribution on the timber harvesting land base. Each age class to 100 years old [1 (0 to 20), 2 (21-40), 3 (41-60), 4 (61 to 80) and 5 (81 to 100)] occupies at least 8.5% of the timber harvesting land base. All age classes except age class 1 have less than 8.5% area representation. Age classes 1 to 5 average only 6.3% reflecting the disproportionate area in over mature age classes. This target will be achieved over time. These numbers are from the July 2001 TSR II Report. Indicator (22) A balanced age class distribution allows for an even flow of timber values and benefits as well as a reduction in forest health risks. Forecasted forest age class distribution over time provides an indication of sustainability. Balanced age class will result in a larger proportion of hectares in younger faster growing stands with a net carbon intake. Kamloops TSA SFM 2004 Monitoring Report 17

18 Indicator: (23) The number of working relationships with applicable First Nations. Maintain and/or increase the number of working relationships (partnerships, joint ventures, cooperative agreements, memoranda of understanding, or business contracts) with First Nations. There were 52 working relationships with First Nations in the TSA area, which is up from 47 in the previous reporting period. Five of the Non-replaceable Forest Licences salvaging fire-damaged timber are held by First Nations. See Appendix IV for examples of working relationships. Indicator (23) recognizes the licensee s efforts to build capacity within First Nations on matters related to the forest industry. Indicator: (24) Number of classroom or field visits by licensees to elementary, secondary, and post-secondary school levels. The TSA Licensees will maintain educational support to forestry programs at the elementary level, secondary and post-secondary levels that leads to a balanced and broad-based understanding of forestry. Target is 40. Number of Classroom Visits 60 # of Visits Target Years There were 16 classroom visits by licensees in the reporting period, as compared to 35 in the previous reporting period. The target of 40 classroom visits was set to 40 in Licencees did not meet the expected target. In 2005, licencees are participating in a forest educator program that will work with schools to increase forestry awareness. Indicator (24) recognizes the importance of informed, educated public with respect to forest management. Licensees will be involved with educational support to ensure the importance of resource management is conveyed. Kamloops TSA SFM 2004 Monitoring Report 18

19 Indicator: (25) Participation with First Nations to implement and improve upon the revised Archaeological Overview model and process. TSA Licensees will participate with First Nations to improve upon the revised Archaeological Overview model and process. All licensees participated with First Nations in the development of the revised Archaeological Overview Model and Process. Archaeological s were completed for 512 harvested cutblocks requiring this assessment. Of the 512 AOA s completed, 325 included a field trip. Indicator (25) assesses the potential for occurrence of cultural heritage resources and direct more detailed assessments in areas of moderate or high potential where forestry operations are planned. By incorporating archaeological assessments and inventories into operational plans, licensees contribute to the protection of First Nations Values. Indicator: (26) Participant Satisfaction Survey. 26a 80% of responses to the Participation Satisfaction Survey are a 3 (satisfactory) or better Survey response was an average of 3.9 out of five 5. There were 14 respondents to the survey. 26b All written comments, and all line responses averaging less than 3 become action items Results of the feedback form were compiled and are reported as part of the annual monitoring program in Appendix II of this report. Indicator (26) Ensuring the continuing interest and participation of this important Group is a Licensee priority. The SFM Plan is an evolving document that will be reviewed and revised on an annual basis with the SFM Advisory Group to address changes in forest condition and local community values. Indicator: (27) Public Awareness of the SFM. 27a Licensees will keep members of the public informed of TSA strategies being developed, and planning occurring by: 1. Maintaining a website 2. Circulating SFMP and other information to the public at least annually (news release/leaflet/open house/lrup etc.) Kamloops TSA SFM 2004 Monitoring Report 19

20 27b Licencees report that the web site is being maintained and the SFMP and other related information was made publicly available in the last year. TSA Licensees respond to all written requests from the public for communication within 30 days of their receipt. Licencees received 9 written requests for communication. 9 responses were sent. The average timeline for responses was 11 days. Indicator (27) recognizes the importance of keeping members of the public informed of forestry strategies being developed and planning occurring in their area. Open lines of communication facilitate public awareness and understanding of the SFMP and other current forestry topics, and provide an open opportunity for the public to respond. Indicator: (28) Number of opportunities/avenues for public participation in decisionmaking processes. 28a TSA Licensees will provide opportunities/avenues for public participation in decision-making processes through participation in: LRMP committees (strategic level); 70 percent of Local Resource Use Plan meetings (local level); Forest Development Plan meetings (operational level); Community meetings. Variance: No variance in meeting Targets for LRMP involvement; Minus 10 percent or plus 30 percent variance of the 70 percent target for attending LRUP meetings; No variance for Forest Development Plans; and No variance for community meetings 28b Licensees interests were represented at LRMP meetings. A total of 8 LRUP meetings were held of which 8 were attended by licencees, consequently 100 percent of LRUP meetings were attended. A total of 8 FDP review meetings were conducted during the previous period. A total of 25 community meetings were attended which is the same as attendance in TSA Licensees respond to all written requests from the public for communication within 30 days of their receipt. 100 percent of the requests received by licencees were responded to. There were 16 written requests from the public to the licencee and 24 responses from the licencees. The average response time was 14 days during the 2004 period. Kamloops TSA SFM 2004 Monitoring Report 20

21 Indicator (28) recognizes the importance of providing opportunities for members of the public, as well as First Nations, to provide input into forestry planning. Open lines of communication allow forest licensees to maintain an awareness of social values and concerns and to respond accordingly Indicator: (29) Report on number of research and extension initiatives licensees have participated in. 29a TSA licensees will participate in research and extension activities. 29b Licensees were directly or indirectly represented on the Forest Research Extension Partnership (FORREX). Identify priorities for reinvestment in the forest sector through the TSA committee annual review and support of research programs and strategies. TSA wide research results were shared with members of the Public Advisory Group. Appendix III contains a summary of ongoing research that is being conducted by licencees. Target 29 recognizes the standard of continual improvement requires ongoing monitoring and research related to the SFM Plan to assess and adaptively manage forestry operations. Monitoring the achievement of indicators and Targets assesses the long-term effectiveness of the Plan Kamloops TSA SFM 2004 Monitoring Report 21

22 Appendix I: CSA Registered Licencee Summary Reports 1. Tolko Industries Ltd Monitoring Report 2. Weyerhaeuser Company Ltd Monitoring Report Kamloops TSA SFM 2004 Monitoring Report 22

23 Tolko Industries Ltd., Heffley Creek Division February SFM MONITORING SUMMARY More information on how Tolko performed against all 29 sustainability indicators, can be obtained by contacting Michael Bragg, RPF, Divisional Forester at Tolko. Tolko Industries Ltd., Heffley Creek Division Phone: Yellowhead Hwy. RR3, S10, C10 Kamloops British Columbia V2C 5H1 Tolko Industries Ltd. s 2004 SFM Performance Highlights SFM Plan performance requirements were achieved for 22 out of the 23 indicators relating to the sustainability criteria in the Kamloops TSA SFM Plan being reported on. This compares to 100 percent of the performance requirements being achieved in The results for the remaining six Kamloops TSA SFM Plan indicators is reported in the Kamloops TSA Sustainable Forest Management Plan Monitoring Report. 11 The following highlights Tolko s contribution to the Kamloops TSA 2004 Sustainable Forest Management Plan report. Full compliance with the Forest Practices Code was met during the harvest of 1651 hectares. The amount of area in permanent roads and landings in areas harvested during the year was 4.1 percent, which is well below the 6 percent target. Regeneration of harvested blocks occurred within 21 months on average from the time of harvesting, compared to the target of 36 months. Road cuts and fill slopes were seeded or planted on average within 2 months of disturbance in the summer and 6 months during the winter, compared to a target of 12 months. There were no riparian infractions associated with cutblocks and rights of way harvested by Tolko. Tolko has maintained both ISO and CSA Z809 third party certifications. Tolko reported a total of 4 working relationships with First Nations (e.g., partnerships, joint ventures, business contracts etc.). Archaeological overview assessments (AOA) were completed on 68 cutblocks. On 58 of these blocks the AOA included a field visit. 1 This report can be located at Tolko Industries Ltd Sustainable Forest Management Plan Performance Summary 23 of 31

24 Performance requirements were not achieved for Indicator 15: A target for indicator 15 requires all roads to be assessed for level of risk. A second target requires that the frequency of road inspections occur at plan levels. A number of roads have not been assigned risk ratings and some roads have not been inspected at an appropriate frequency. Significant changes within the DFA during 2004 included: Forest policy New waste assessment and billing procedures have removed flexibility around coarse woody debris and wildlife tree/wildlife patch management. If material is not explicitly exempted from utilization in licensee plans it is subject to waste assessment and penalty billing. Previously, licensees in part managed coarse woody debris and wildlife trees/wildlife patches by relying on trained logging crews to identify valuable stand components (i.e. large, decadent wolf trees) and retain them on site during harvest. With the new policy, unless the feature is identified before logging, it is difficult to retain on site at the time of logging without incurring penalty billing. The result is reduced flexibility to retain significant features that contribute to biodiversity. Weyerhaeuser Tolko operating area trades On January 2004 Tolko and Weyerhaeuser embarked on a reallocation of AAC between the 2 companies across 3 Timber Supply Areas (TSA). In the Kamloops TSA this transfer of AAC and associated land base was equal to 275K m3. Through out 2004 the two companies worked towards implementing the operational aspects of this trade. In the trade area, the company which harvested the block will retain Free Growing responsibility. All other obligations associated with the tenure (i.e. roads) will be the obligation of the receiving company. As a result of the trade in Kamloops which saw 275K m3 transferred to Weyerhaeuser, Tolko's monitoring report will reflect a significant drop in "units" being reported - i.e. harvested ha., roads inspected, First Nations business opportunities, school visits etc. Tolko Industries Ltd Sustainable Forest Management Plan Performance Summary 24 of 31

25 Weyerhaeuser Kamloops/Vavenby March SFM MONITORING SUMMARY Weyerhaeuser s Kamloops/Vavenby SFM Performance Highlights: 2004 More information on how Weyerhaeuser performed against all 29 sustainability indicators, can be obtained by contacting Pat Salm, Sustainability Forester, Weyerhaeuser Weyerhaeuser Kamloops/ Vavenby Phone: Pat.Salm@weyerhaeuser.com Box 800 Kamloops British Columbia V2C 5M7 SFM Plan performance targets were achieved for 29 of 29 indicators relating to the sustainability criteria in the Kamloops TSA SFM Plan. The following summarizes highlights of Weyerhaeuser s contribution to the Kamloops TSA 2004 Sustainable Forest Management report. The amount of area in permanent roads and landings in areas harvested during the year was 2.8 percent, which is below 3.6 percent that was reported in 2003, and well below the 6 percent target. Weyerhaeuser achieved full compliance with Kamloops LRMP caribou strategies for the fifth year in a row (67.7 hectares harvested). [Pictured above: caribou tracks in cutblock]. A total of 584 road inspections were conducted in Inspection completed as plan and maintenance scheduled as necessary. Regeneration of harvested blocks occurred within 14.6 months on average from the time of harvesting compared to the target of 36 months. Over 70% of salvage harvesting that occurred during the winter of 2003, on the Mclure fire, was planted in the spring of On average road cut and fill slopes were seeded or planted within 1 month of disturbance, far in advance of the 12 month target. Weyerhaeuser has retained its ISO registration since 1999 and CSA Z809 registration since Weyerhaeuser reported a total of 3 working relationships with First Nations (e.g., partnerships, joint ventures, business contracts etc.). Considerable effort was made to share information with First Nations. When written requests were received from First Nation, they were responded to promptly (within 3 days on average). Out of 4,189 ha of harvested cutblocks having riparian areas, there were no non-conformances. Weyerhaeuser Kamloops/Vavenby 2004 Sustainable Forest Management Plan Performance Summary 25 of 31

26 Appendix II Advisory Group Evaluation Summary The following chart outlines the average response for each question in the Public Advisory Group Survey. Indicator 26: Participant Satisfaction Survey Score (Max 5) Questions Below are the questions and the average response of the Public Advisory Group. The following table describes the ratings from 1 to Poor Satisfactory Well done 1. I have a good understanding of the purpose of the advisory group and my role as part of that group. Average Rating: My concerns related to SFM values and objectives are being adequately listened to at the Advisory Group Meetings. Average Rating: Efforts have been made to incorporate my concerns related to SFM values and objectives into the SFM Plan. Average Rating: My concerns related to SFM indicators and targets are being adequately listened to at the Advisory Group Meetings. Kamloops TSA SFM 2004 Monitoring Report 26 of 31

27 Average Rating: Efforts have been made to incorporate my concerns related to SFM indicators and targets into the SFM Plan. Average Rating: Information provided in advance of meetings is adequate and organized to allow for me to effectively contribute. Average Rating: Advisory Group Meetings are run efficiently and effectively. Average Rating: The meeting agenda allows for discussion of any related sustainable forestry issues of concern to advisory group members. Average Rating: The meeting minutes capture important aspects of the meeting. Average Rating: Additional information I ask for is provided to me. Average Rating: Communication with advisory group members between meetings is adequate. Average Rating: The outputs generated through discussion with the advisory group (SFM Plan and annual monitoring reports) are clear and concise. Average Rating: Scheduling of meetings held during the year is an adequate balance between meeting continuous improvement objectives of the SFM Plan and use of my time. Average Rating: 4.0 Total Average Rating: 3.9 Comments: 1. Need to have clearly defined representation and who can contribute to the discussions. 2. Need to avoid the year-end rush when providing up to date changes to the plan. Develop a process to avoid the last minute rush every year. 3. Meetings are organized, effective, and efficient. Sticking to the agenda keeps the meeting on schedule. 4. Communication between PAG and its members is sufficient to keep members up to date when absences occur. Kamloops TSA SFM 2004 Monitoring Report 27 of 31

28 5. Questionnaire needs clearer wording. Less jargon. Need to explain more terms in meetings to reduce confusion and ease decision-making. 6. Need to schedule site visits, as these are an effective means of demonstrating SFM. Perhaps spring or summer visit to an active site. 7. Need First Nations perspective and more discussion on what CSA is trying to achieve with the new standard. More data? New reporting approaches? May require expert help? 8. Need an orientation opportunity for new participants to the group. It is difficult to understand how I might be able to provide input into the process with a limited background with the Public Advisory Group. 9. PAG is a good link between SFM Plan and the Kamloops LRMP Kamloops TSA SFM 2004 Monitoring Report 28 of 31

29 Appendix III Summary of Research Research Doug Lewis backtracking Mountain Caribou through harvested areas. Fertilization at Time of Planting Identifying common Ground for Sustainable Forest Management Criteria and Indicators Initiatives in British Columbia, Canada. Fertilization at time of planting Snow accumulation and melt Value to SFM To understand obstacles to Mountain Caribou movement so that this aspect of habitat can be managed effectively in the future. Determine the ability to assist in tree establishment and improve site productivity and reduce expensive silviculture treatments including site preparation, brushing, or herbicide applications. Relates to the overall direction of Sustainable Forest Management and forest certification. Three project areas where tea bags were installed at time of planting to look at the opportunities to be gained with fertilization at time of planting The Mayson Lake snow research project is a long-term study into the effects of forest cover on snow accumulation and melt. The forest cover types included in the study are mature, juvenile, juvenile-thinned, early regeneration, and clearcut. This year a burned stand was added. The study provides a unique opportunity to measure the influence of forest growth on snow through periodic re-measurement of the same stands over many years. It builds on detailed snow research completed in 1995 through The results will improve operational methods for estimating snow or hydrologic recovery in the southern interior. The proximity of the McLure Fire to the Mayson Lake study area provides the opportunity to compare the effects of forest fire on snow relative to those in the long-term study stands. Skull Mtn monitoring An alternative harvesting prescription designed to create winter forage for Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and restore indigenous wildlife and vegetation communities was first applied to the Skull Special Resource Management Zone (Skull SRMZ) in A long-term monitoring program established at the same time has been examining the impacts of the harvest on the winter habitat of mule deer. During the summer of 2003, wildfire dramatically changed the landscape of the Skull SRMZ. The McLure fire affected most of the study area. During the fall season immediately following the wildfire, surveys were conducted to determine the broad fire intensity at each established mule deer sample site. Surveys of mule deer in the area the following winter, provided insight into the habitats used by deer immediately following this catastrophic Kamloops TSA SFM 2004 Monitoring Report 29 of 31

30 disturbance. A subset of existing permanent transect locations were sampled. The transects sampled a broad spectrum of postfire habitats including sites with differing fire severities, existing harvested cutblocks, and sites scheduled for salvage harvest. Taweel Project Detailed Inventory of the Cedar and Hemlock Stands in the Kamloops TSA North Thompson Caribou Research Project Hair Lichen Ecology in the ICH Effects of Large Openings on the Hydrologic Regime in High Elevation Interior Plateau Environments in British Columbia, Canada The purpose of the project was to update the inventory of Cedar Hemlock stands in the Kamloops Timber Supply Area (TSA). The project is in the second year. In year one ( ) we completed a comprehensive vegetation (field-based) inventory of cedar hemlock polygons throughout the TSA. In year two ( ) we are completing the destructive sampling phase. This involves falling a sample of trees within the Cedar Hemlock stands and completing a detailed evaluation of their quality and integrity. Once this data is compiled and analyzed the Cedar Hemlock inventory can be update d. This project has been on-going for seven years and is part of a larger province-wide project. The project is tracking the movement of Caribou using GPS collars, and by completing ground-based and aerial surveys. The project is enabling comprehensive maps of Caribou movement and habitat requirements to be prepared. These maps are facilitating the development of improved forest management strategies. In early winter, Mountain Caribou sometimes descend to lower elevations, where they forage on shrubby plants and hair lichens belonging to the genera Alectoria and Bryoria. Very little is known about the distributional ecology of these lichens. The purpose of the present study has been to acquire a basic understanding of the environmental factors that promote their development, with a view to possibly modifying future low-elevation silvicultural practices to accommodate them. Results from 2003 are promising, suggesting that hair lichen biomass is strongly positively correlated with ventilation and slope. These studies, however, were conducted within two metres of the ground; future work will focus on the development of heavy hair lichen loadings in the upper canopy. Kamloops TSA SFM 2004 Monitoring Report 30 of 31

31 Appendix IV: First Nations Relationship Examples The following is a list of licencee First Nations relationship examples: Logging debris pile burning Providing in-kind support for woodlot application and CP development Archaeology Overview services Services for log hauling, and fencing Log Purchase Agreements Harvesting Mechanical Site Prep Kamloops TSA SFM 2004 Monitoring Report 31 of 31