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Timber block sale approved

The District of Port Hardy will be proceeding with the sale of a timber block

The District of Port Hardy will be proceeding with the sale of a timber block within the Port Hardy Community Watershed near the Tsulquate River.

The Tsulquate River is the source of drinking water for the community of Port Hardy.

Steve Legge and Kathleen Crowhurst presented information on a cutblock area they wish to develop under the Port McNeill Time Sales Office (BC Timber Sales Seaward Business Area) to the Operational Services Committee at their meeting Feb. 19. The development BC Timber Sales is proposing would include an estimated 15 hectares of forest harvesting and an estimated 1.5 kilometres of road construction within the Port Hardy watershed. The Seaward Forest Stewardship Plan requires that operations conform to government objectives that include ensuring that quantity and quality of water are not affected.

According to Legge and Crowhurst, the block has been carefully researched and developed for sale and would be managed under watershed regulations in the Forest and Range Practices Act.

Council approved the sale at their regular meeting Feb. 24. “Has a study been done on the block? Is there any impact on the watershed?” asked Councillor Fred Robertson.

“BC Timber Sales has done that,” said Councillor Rick Marcotte.

“I would like to make sure that we followed the intent of what was in the Watershed Management Plan before the letter is sent,” said Councillor Dennis Dugas.