Nootka Forest Operation

The Nootka Forest Operation 2022-2027 Forest Stewardship Plan (FSP) encompasses forest tenures located on Vancouver Island, in the vicinity of Gold River, Tahsis, Zeballos and Nootka Island. This FSP applies to the licensees and tenures identified in Section 3.0 of the FSP. This FSP replaces a portion of the 2017 Central Island Forest Operation Forest Stewardship Plan, as maintained in the BC government FSP Tracker system.

FSPs are a key operational plan under the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA). FSPs identify broad areas called Forest Development Units (FDUs) where timber harvesting and road construction may occur, are subject to public review and comment, and must be approved by government before taking effect. FSPs do not show cutblocks and roads for approval, and are generally in effect for a five year term.

This FSP addresses objectives specified in the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA). For each of the 11 FRPA values and their objectives set by government, such as wildlife and biodiversity, the FSP identifies legally binding results and strategies, forest practices, measures, and standards, which will be required to be implemented by the Holder of the FSP in the forest development units. Results and strategies must be consistent with government objectives, and must be measurable and verifiable. The FSP also must be consistent with government objectives set out in Land Use Plans, such as the Vancouver Island Land Use Plan, and sub-unit plans such as approved Landscape Unit Plans.

The FSP has one FDU as shown on the overview map in this FSP which encompass the active plan area. The FSP shows the location of the FDU and forms the basis for future development of roads and cutblocks, leading to the issuance of road and cutting permits, which provide authority to harvest.

Forest Stewardship initiatives by Western Forest Products do not end at the FSP. The FSP forms only one part of the overall forest stewardship and due diligence process. Examples of other sustainability initiatives by Western include its Environmental Management System and Forest Certification, Standard Operating Procedures, Forest Investment Account administration, and TFL Management Plans. In addition to the legal framework in the FSP, other regulatory requirements are outside the FSP, such as the Heritage Conservation Act, Wildlife Act, Foresters Act, Land Act, Federal Species at Risk Act, Federal Fisheries Act, and First Nations case law.

More information on FSPs and the public and First Nations input process is available here.

Comments should be directed to:

Western Forest Products Inc.

Mid Island Forest Operation Bruce Vinnedge, RPF Senior Silviculture Forester

FSP@westernforest.com