For Immediate Release
November 14, 2024
Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures Commences Next Phase of Forest Fuel Management Project
Mount Currie, B.C. – Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures Ltd. (LFV), the forestry division of the Líl̓wat Nation, announced that it has started the next phase of its forest fuel management project. This phase will address an additional 50 hectares of land, closer to the Xit̓olacw Road and near the community.
“A pre-work conference and safety meeting was conducted early this week and now, we have officially started the work,” shared Simon Craig, RPF, Tenure Manager of Chartwell. “Pile burning has also started in first phase of the project behind the subdivision.”
Líl̓wat Nation members can expect operations to begin at 7 a.m. and end around 5 p.m., all seven days of the week. Currently, harvesting is being conducted with the skidding, decking, processing, loading, and hauling work to follow in the months ahead.
“While smoke will be visible to the community, it is important to note that this burning is controlled and poses a very low risk to the community,” added Craig. “People can also expect to see the carbonizer on-site in due course to tackle the large piles.”
The carbonizer is a machine that takes wood waste and turns it into charcoal that can be used to help in fertilization.
To ensure the safety of all workers and community members, the main road, Xit̓olacw, will have traffic stoppages during operating hours for up to 10 minutes. In addition, numerous signs and flagging have been installed on all tributary roads.
Another part of this forest management includes the work of a feller buncher which has begun cutting in the area adjacent to the BC Hydro transmission line, strategically removing some trees to thin the forest. Crews will also be removing trees under the power lines, working with BC Hydro to ensure no disruption to service.
This work will continue to enhance safety in our forested areas, bringing important benefits to the Nation, not only in terms of timber values but also cultural values.
“The project will allow for wildfire risk reduction work, enhancement of wildlife habitat, creating more opportunities for traditional plants and medicines to grow, and the benefit of collecting firewood to distribute among Elders and other community member with mobility challenges,” explained Klay Tindall, RPF, General Manager of LFV.
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