Tolko / BCTS / WFN Okanagan Operations
Sustainable Forest Management
Looking north from hilltop near Brenda Mine. Photo credit – Darren Hull
Monitoring Report April 1, 2016 to March 31st, 2017
Released: June 2017
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 3
Table of Contents
1 . 0 B A C K G R O U N D ......................................................................................................................5
2 . 0 C O N T I N U A L I M P R O V E M E N T ......................................................................................7
3 . 0 O P P O R T U N I T I E S F O R I N V O L V E M E N T ...............................................................9
4 . 0 S C O P E ........................................................................................................................................9
5 . 0 R E P O R T P E R S P E C T I V E A N D S T A T I S T I C S ...................................................11
6 . 0 P E R F O R M A N C E 2 0 1 6 - 2 0 1 7 .......................................................................................13
6.1 – 2016/17 Monitoring Results by Indicator.................................................................................... 17
APPENDIX I ADVISORY GROUP SURVEY QUESTIONS - 2016 ......................................................59
APPENDIX II LICENSEE PERFORMANCE SUMMARIES...................................................................63
APPENDIX III DFA MAP .......................................................................................................................71
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 4
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 5
SFM Plan Vision Statement The Tolko/B.C. Timber Sales/Westbank First Nation Okanagan
Sustainable Forest Management Plan will foster forest management practices based on science, professional experience and local public
and First Nations input that contribute to the long-term health and productivity of forest ecosystems and related forest economies.
1 . 0 B a c k g r o u n d The performance measures in the Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) Plan are rooted in work done by the original members of the SFM Advisory Group that began over a decade ago. The existing Licensees have participated in the advancement of the SFM Plan to what it is today. It is important to note that some of the collective results achieved cannot be meaningfully compared to earlier results due to changes in Plan participants and the area influenced by the Plan. More direct comparisons can be made between the previous reporting period and this current one – where performance measures and licensees participating have remained the same.
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 6
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 7
2 . 0 C o n t i n u a l I m p r o v e m e n t The current Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) Plan contains 42 targets that assess the performance of against indicators of sustainable forest management. The targets are monitored by each of the participating licensees and an annual performance report is prepared each spring. These reports and/or other information are made available to the public via the Okanagan SFM Website:
www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
The effectiveness of the SFM Plan is continually improved by reviewing the annual monitoring results. This review provides both 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 considered for incorporation into future updates of the SFM Plan. Performance measures (indicators and targets) may also change as additional information becomes available.
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 8
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 9
3 . 0 O p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r I n v o l v e m e n t
More information about Westbank First Nation, Tolko, and BC Timber Sale’s sustainable forest management practices in the Okanagan, Boundary and Arrow Timber Supply Areas (including a copy of the SFM Plan) is available to the public. If you would like more information, wish to be further involved, or desire to know more about the annual performance results, please contact any of the following: Westbank First Nation Dave Gill, RPF (250) 768-5617 Tolko Paul Ross, RPF (250) 547-2111 BCTS (OK/Col. BA) Jason Stupnikoff, RFT (250) 837-7603 The sustainable forest management website for the Okanagan plan and advisory group process contains considerable supplemental information including downloadable versions of current and historic plans and reports. The website link is provided in Section 2 and on the footer of pages in this report.
4 . 0 S c o p e The results included in this Monitoring Report represent operations on all tenures held by the three, full-participation, licensees primarily within the Okanagan Timber Supply Area (TSA) as well as additional tenures where the licensees had forest management responsibilities. More information on the scope of reporting can be found in Section 2.0 of the Sustainable Forest Management Plan. The map located in the appendix indicates the area covered by this Monitoring Report.
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 11
5 . 0 R e p o r t P e r s p e c t i v e As noted previously, this report is based on the 2016/17 SFM Plan. Some cursory statistics of the Plan area follow:
Land Classification Total Area (ha) Percent of Total Area
Parks/protected areas & Old Growth Management Areas (approved study areas / areas of interest) 134,873 13% Streams, wetlands, lakes 9,930 1% Non-contributing forest (deciduous, problem forest type, environmentally sensitive, inoperable, NP, NPBR) 184,025 18%
Non Forest Land (alpine, rock, open range) 56,084 5% Timber Harvesting Land Base 652,442 63% Total Defined Forest Area 1,037,354 100%
Reporting period statistics: 2015/16 2016/17 Cutblocks harvested 437 450 Gross area harvested (ha) 9,145 9083 Average block size (ha) 20.9 20.2 Net area to be reforested (ha) 8,116 8471 Total area planted (ha) 7,549 9118 Total volume harvested (m3) 2,273,361 2,411,925 Amount of road inspected (km) 2,534 2,440
13% 1%
18%
5%
63%
SFM Plan Area Land Classification
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 13
6 . 0 P e r f o r m a n c e 2 0 1 6 - 2 0 1 7 Environmental, social and economic performance is assessed according to the six criteria in the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) Z809 Standard, and the Elements, Indicators and Targets, which are derived from them. The following table (5.1) summarizes the relationship between the various components of the SFM Plan and this Monitoring Report: Table 6.1 - CSA SFM Criteria, Elements, Indicators and Targets
SFM Criterion Elements Indicators Targets
1.1 Ecosystem Diversity 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3, 1.1.4, 1.1.5
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 43
1.2 Species Diversity 1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.2.3 7, 8, 9, 10
1.3 Genetic Diversity 1.3.1, 1.3.2, 1.3.3 3, 7, 4
1. Conservation of Biological Diversity
1.4 Protected Areas and sites of Special Biological significance
1.4.1, 1.4.2 7, 3, 11
2.1 Forest ecosystem Resilience 2.1.1 4, 12,13 2. Maintenance and Enhancement of Forest Ecosystem Condition and Productivity
2.2 Forest Ecosystem Productivity 2.2.1, 2.2.2 14, 15
3.1 Soil Quality and Quantity 3.1.1, 3.1.2 14, 16, 17, 18, 19 3. Conservation of Soil and Water Resources 3.2 Water Quality and Quantity 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.2.3,
3.2.4, 3.2.5 20, 21, 22, 24
4.1 Carbon Uptake and Storage 4.1.1, 2.1.1 4, 5, 12, 14, 13 4. Forest Ecosystem Contribution to Global Ecological Cycles
4.2 Forest Lands Conversion 2.2.1 14
5.1 Timber and Non Timber Benefits 5.1.1 11, 15, 26, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30
5. Multiple Benefits to Society 5.2 Communities and Sustainability 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3,
5.2.4 15, 26, 31, 32, 33
6.1 Aboriginal and Treaty Rights 6.1.1, 6.1.2,6.1.3 11, 36, 37
6.2 Respect for Aboriginal Forest Values, Knowledge, and Uses
6.2.1 11, 36, 37
6.3 Forest Community Well-being and Resilience
6.3.1, 6.3.2, 6.3.3 15, 24, 26, 27, 28, 30, 38, 39
6.4 Fair and Effective Decision-Making
6.4.1, 6.4.2, 6.4.3 34, 35, 40, 41, 42, 32, 37
6. Accepting Society’s Responsibility for Sustainable Development
6.5 Information and Decision Making 6.5.1, 6.5.2 29, 41, 42
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 14
Annual performance related to the implementation of the SFM plan is assessed 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 objectives identified for each of the criteria in the SFM plan. Since objectives have been established for each criterion, and indicators and targets have been set for each objective, an assessment of progress towards sustainable forest management can be made by review of the collective achievement of the indicator results for each of the criteria. Progress towards some of the targets will be easier to assess as a reporting history is developed - where applicable, the results from previous reporting years have been used to indicate trends. A summary of the performance results for the objectives relating to each of the CSA criteria is provided in the tables which follow, specific details on all performance indicators and objectives is provided in Section 5.3 Table 6.2 - Monitoring Report Results by Individual Target (Monitoring results outside the range of allowed variance are highlighted in yellow)
No. Target Target (% or #)
Achieved (% or #)
1 Biogeoclimatic Sub-Zones within the Plan Area n/a n/a
2 Old Growth Management Areas 100% 100% 3 Rare Ecosystems Within Old Growth Management Areas 100% 100%
4 Tree Species Diversity in Reforestation 70% 78%
5 Progress Towards Stable Forest Age Class Distribution n/a n/a
6 Wildlife Tree and Stub Retention in Harvest Areas 100/80% 100/87%
7 Conformance to Site Plans for Identified Wildlife Species 100% 100%
8 Wildlife Habitat Conservation n/a n/a
9 Mountain Caribou Habitat n/a n/a
10 Reforestation With Species Appropriate to the Site 100% 100%
11 Protection of Culturally Important, Sacred and Spiritual Sites 100% 100%
12 Reforestation - Regeneration Delay 70/100% 81/100%
13 Reforestation – Free-Growing Success 100% 100%
14 Percentage of Permanent Roads and Landings in Harvest Areas <6% 3.5%
15 Annual Allowable Cut n/a n/a
16 Soil Disturbance Limits 100% 99.6%
17 Landslides with inadequate response 0 0
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 15
In an SFM Plan it is the Indicators and Targets that provide the performance measures that are to be met through on-the-ground forest management activities. Full conformance is required for many targets i.e., there is no variance. Where full conformance may not be achievable, an acceptable level of variance is indicated for the target. Only Targets where the results are outside of the allowed variance are highlighted in the table above.
18 Coarse Woody Debris Retention 100% 100%
19 Retention of Piles and Windrows 90% 93%
20 Harvesting Within Community Watersheds 100% 100%
21 Stream Crossing Evaluations in Community Watersheds 90% 94%
22 Completion of Road Inspections 100% 107%
24 Revegetation of Roads and Landings 100/100% 100/100%
25 Riparian environmental incidents with no mitigation 0 0
26 Value-added and Business Initiatives/Partnerships n/a n/a
27 Access Management Commitments 100% 100%
28 Visual Quality Objectives 100% 98.6%
29 Research and Educational Sponsorship n/a n/a
30 Trail Management 100% 100%
31 Environmental and Safety Training 100/90 100/100%
32 First Nations Partnerships n/a n/a
33 Harvest Allocation to First Nations n/a n/a
34 Public Advisory Group Satisfaction Survey 80% @”3” 94%
35 Stakeholder Participation in Forest Planning n/a n/a
36 Communication with First Nations 100/100 100/100
37 Incorporation of Traditional Knowledge in Forest Planning 100% 100%
38 Forestry Contractor Safety and SAFE Certification 100% 100%
39 Forest Licensee Safety and SAFE Certification 100% 100%
40 Responding to Public Communication Requests 100%/<30
days 100%/3.3
days
41 Forestry Education and Public Awareness n/a n/a
42 Communications With the Public 100% 100%
43 Harvested Area by Silviculture System n/a n/a
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 17
6.1 – 2016/17 Monitoring Results by Indicator
1 Biogeoclimatic Sub-Zones within the Plan Area
Target: Maintain the presence and representative area of Biogeoclimatic Zones to the subzone level within the Plan area. Variance: n/a
Indicators Related to the Target applies to
1.1.1 Ecosystem Area by Type
Assessment Results: data from Forsite – April 2015
0
50000
100000
150000
200000
Hectares
DFAAreabyBECZone(ha)
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 18
2 Old Growth Management Areas
Target: Licensee operations will maintain the retention of existing or replacement draft old growth management areas (OGMA’s). Variance: None
Indicators Related to the Target
1.1.1 Ecosystem Area by Type
1.1.3 Forest area by seral stage or age class
Assessment Results: As indicated in the table below, there was a net gain draft OGMA’s within the DFA of 20.3 ha over the reporting period as a result of operations. Over the past 6 years reporting combined, OGMA area has increased by 35.4 ha.
Draft Old Growth Management Areas Item BCTS Tolko WFN Totals
Total Draft OGMA Area (ha) 19131.6 50919.3 6342.5 76393.4 Net Change in OGMA area for year 2.6 0.0 17.7 20.3
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 19
3 Rare Ecosystems Within Old Growth Management Areas
Target: Licensee operations will maintain the retention of forested mature “rare” ecosystems within old growth management areas (variance for this new target to be set after a few years of monitoring).
Indicators Related to the Target
1.1.1 Ecosystem Area by Type
1.3.1 Management strategies for rare ecosystems (non-core indicator)
1.4.1 Proportion of identified sites with implemented management strategies
Assessment Results: There was a 0.3 ha increase to “rare” ecosystems within the OGMA’s as a result of operations. In the past 3 years there has been a net increase of 7.7 ha of rare ecosystem within OGMA for BCTS.
Rare Ecosystems within Old Growth Management Areas
Item BCTS Tolko WFN Totals Total Rare within OGMA Area (ha) 2393.7 3107.4 310.3 5811.4
Net Reduction of “Rare” OGMA area 0.0 -0.3 0.0 -0.3 BCTS: An OGMA with a mapped rare ecosystem polygon was identified and substitution made for TSL A93419 K72G. Prior to the substitution, a site investigation confirmed that the rare ‘Nuttall’s Alkali Grass-Foxtail Barley’ plant community did not exist on the site. Since the rare ecosystem did not occur on the ground, a like for like OGMA substitution was made adjacent to the block. No actual rare ecosystem reduction has occurred.
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 20
4 Tree Species Diversity in Reforestation
Target: 70 percent of the area of cutblocks harvested will have three or more tree species (includes conifer and deciduous comprising one percent or more of total trees) in the free growing survey. Variance: none
Indicators Related to the Target
1.1.2 Forest Area by type or species composition
1.3.3 Percent of harvested cutblocks having three or more tree species identified in the free growing inventory (non-core indicator)
2.1.1 Reforestation Success
Assessment Results: The results indicate that 2,618.4 ha of 2,897.9 ha surveyed (90%) had 3 or more preferred or acceptable tree species at the time of the free-growing survey, exceeding the target of 70%. The most predominate species planted on each block averaged 52%, meaning that other species were planted at nearly the same rate as that of the dominant species. This data reveals that current reforestation programs are not single species (monoculture) oriented.
Licensee FTG Area Surveyed Percent Comprised of Leading Species
ha # ha > 3 spp. % > 3 spp. By DFA BCTS 1,849.9 1,780.0 96.22% 51.8% WFN 20.6 20.6 100.00% 60.0% Tolko 1,027.4 817.8 79.60% 52.0% Totals 2,897.9 2,618.4 90.36% 51.9%
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 21
5 Progress Towards Stable Forest Age Class Distribution
Target: Progress towards a stable forest age class distribution on the timber harvesting land base where each age class to 100 years old [1 (1 to 20), 2 (21-40), 3 (41-60), 4 (61 to 80) and 5 (81 to 100)] occupies at least 10% of the timber harvesting land base. Three age classes meet this target within 50 years. Variance: n/a
Indicators Related to the Target
1.1.3 Forest area by seral stage or age class
4.1.1 Net Carbon Uptake
Assessment Results: The inventory work done by Forsite Consulting is indicated in the table below. Three age classes currently meet the 10% target. Note: age class 0 (forest area that has yet to be reforested after harvest) has not been included in the table below.
2015 Age Class Distribution for the DFA (THLB)
Age Class Area in Age
Class Percent in Age
Class 1 (1-20) 95,135 15.3% 2 (21-40) 92,338 14.9% 3 (41-60) 31,932 5.1% 4 (61-80) 31,756 5.1% 5 (81-100) 62,498 10.1% 6 (101-120) 66,432 10.7% 7 (121-140) 80,022 12.9% 8 (141-250) 147,791 23.8% 9 (251+) 12,431 2.0%
TOTAL (age class 1-9) 620,334 100.0%
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 22
6 Wildlife Tree and Stub Retention in Harvest Areas
Target: 100 percent of harvested cutblocks requiring wildlife tree retention (patches and/or individual trees) will be completed in accordance with their Site Plan. 80 percent of harvested area contains a minimum average of 2-5 stub trees and/or wildlife trees per hectare with consideration given to spatial distribution. Variance: None
Indicators Related to the Target
1.1.4 Degree of within-stand structural retention or age class
Assessment Results: The 100% target was met for blocks requiring wildlife tree retention. Nearly 87% of blocks had dispersed retention with wildlife trees and or stubs.
100%
91.0%
99.3%
84.3%
100%
89.7%
100%
91.9%
100%
86.6%
70%
80%
90%
100%
110%
WT's Required
Cutblocks meeting Wildlife Tree retention targets and percent with 2-5 Stubs/ha
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 23
7 Conformance to Site Plans for Identified Wildlife Species
Target: 100% conformance to site plans to manage for and/or protect important habitat for IWMS species and species identified as rare in the OSLRMP and KBLUP. Variance: none
Indicators Related to the Target
1.2.1 Degree of habitat protection for selected focal species, including species at risk
1.3.2 Management and/or protection of important habitat for select species. (non-core indicator)
1.4.1 Proportion of identified sites with implemented management strategies
Assessment Results: The 2016/17 assessment, as tabulated below, indicates 100% compliance with management commitments. Number of Instances Where Plans Dealt with Indicated Species:
Licensee
Item BCTS WFN Tolko Totals
Number of cutblocks harvested with Site Plan commitments for Identified Wildlife or HLP rare species: 108 13 264 385 Number of cutblocks above where commitments were properly executed: 108 13 264 385
Species managed for included mule deer, mountain goat, grizzly bear, moose, marten, fisher, California bighorn sheep, and Williamson’s sapsucker.
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 24
8 Wildlife Habitat Conservation
Target: Conserve habitat for Tiger Salamander, Great Basin Spadefoot, Great Basin Gopher Snake, Flammulated Owl, Fringed Myotis and Spotted Bat by retaining the amount of habitat (provided for in Government’s Section 7 notice for the Okanagan Shuswap Forest District) in a condition suitable for the survival of the species: Tiger Salamander – 541 ha Flammulated Owl – 540 ha Great Basin Spadefoot – 200 ha Fringed Myotis – 12 ha Great Basin Gopher Snake – 6250 ha Spotted Bat – 120 ha
Variance: n/a
Indicators Related to the Target
1.2.2 Degree of suitable habitat in the long term for selected focal species, including species at risk
Assessment Results:
Species Target Retention (ha) Tolko* WFN BCTS
District Total
Tiger salamander 541 11.5/91.7 0 0 305.1 Great Basin Spadefoot Toad 200 46.3/1087.9 0 0 20.1 Great Basin Gopher Snake 6250 0.4/0.8 0 0 n/a Flammulated Owl 540 38.9/344.5 0 0 n/a Fringe Tailed Myotis 12 0.0/11.9 0 0 n/a Spotted Bat 120 0.0/2.3 0 0 n/a
* 1st number is habitat set-aside during the reporting period, second number is the cumulative amount of set aside. Comments: Only Tiger Salamander and Great Basin Spadefoot have Wildlife Habitat Areas established (325.2 total ha). Until such time as WHAs are established, companies continue to reserve potential habitat where planning of operations encounter such. Information reported for the Okanagan Shuswap District was taken from the following website: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/frpa/iwms/wha.html
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 25
9 Mountain Caribou Habitat
Target: Manage Mountain Caribou habitat so it is consistent with Government Action Regulation orders and/or higher-level plan orders. Variance: None
Indicators Related to the Target
1.2.2 Degree of suitable habitat in the long term for selected focal species, including species at risk
Assessment Results: No harvesting has occurred within Mountain Caribou habitat in the past 5 years.
Item Tolko WFN BCTS Totals Total Area harvested within MCH 0 0 0 0
Harvested Area consistent with MCH Strategy n/a n/a n/a n/a
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 26
10 Reforestation With Species Appropriate to the Site
Target: 100% of trees planted will conform to plan commitments related to the species requirements within approved stocking standards (requires reforestation with commercially valuable and ecologically suitable tree species). Variance: None
Indicators Related to the Target
1.2.3 Proportion of regeneration comprised of native species
2.2.3 Ecosystems with naturally occurring species (non-core indicator)
Assessment Results: There continues to be a high level of achievement to the target. Again for 2016, all trees planted (9118 ha) were suitable to the site.
99.9% 100%100% 100% 100% 100%
96.0%
98.0%
100.0%
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Perc
ent A
ppro
pria
te
Year
Percent of Area Planted with Trees Appropriate for the Site
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 27
11 Protection of Culturally Important, Sacred and Spiritual Sites
Target: 100 % protection of culturally important, sacred and spiritual sites that have been reasonably and specifically identified and shared by willing aboriginal communities or 100% conformance to all plan commitments specifically designed to manage for culturally important, sacred and spiritual sites that have been reasonably and specifically identified and shared by willing aboriginal communities. Variance: None
Indicators Related to the Target
1.4.2 Protection of identified sacred and culturally important sites
5.1.1 Quantity and quality of timber and non-timber benefits, products, and services produced in the DFA
6.1.3 Level of management and/or protection of areas where culturally important practices and activities (hunting, fishing, gathering) occur
6.2.1 Evidence of understanding and use of Aboriginal knowledge through the engagement of willing Aboriginal communities, using a process that identifies and manages culturally important resources and values
Assessment Results: All blocks containing potential cultural values were managed or protected. Adjustments to planned development were made in 25 situations, many where the road or cut block was relocated. The target has been met – details in table below:
BCTS WFN Tolko Total
Redesigned/relocated roads/blks for FN reasons 2 1 22 25
Identified/shared 17 1 22 40
Managed/ protected in accordance with Plans 15 1 22 38
No. unknown features discovered/reported 0 0 0 0
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 28
12 Reforestation - Regeneration Delay
Target: 70 percent of cutblock area planned for planting is completed within two growing seasons. 100 percent of natural regeneration cutblock area meeting natural regeneration delay. Variance: None
Indicators Related to the Target
2.1.1 Reforestation Success
2.2.3 Ecosystems with naturally occurring species (non-core indicator)
4.1.1 Net Carbon Uptake
Assessment Results: Within the reporting period a total of 6808 ha were planted within 2 years of harvest (88% compared to a target of 70%). Of the 1892 ha managed and surveyed for natural regeneration 100% were satisfactorily restocked within the 7-year window.
77%
86% 86% 88%
81%
100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
70%
75%
80%
85%
90%
95%
100%
105%
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Year
Percent of Area Planted within 2 years and Area Naturally Reforested within 7 Years
Planted Naturals
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 29
13 Reforestation – Free-Growing Success
Target: All cutblocks will reach free growing requirements on or before the latest date. Variance: None, except for that allowed within the Regulations
Indicators Related to the Target
2.1.1 Reforestation Success
Assessment Results:
Late free growing obligations were met on all of the 1203.0 ha where the free growing window expired in the reporting period. The target was met. Licensees also reported that free growing was being attained 4.2 years prior to the latest date to declare free growing. This is just the 2nd time in 6 years that licensees have fully attained the target - see the graph below.
Collectively for the SFM Plan area, the licensees actively managed reforestation responsibilities on 130,305 hectares. Similar to 2014 and 2015, there was no herbicide applied in the reporting year.
97.4%
99.9% 99.0% 97.7%
100.0% 100.0%
3.3 years 4.3 years 3.8 years 3.8 years
2.9 years
4.2 years
-
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
90.0%
93.0%
96.0%
99.0%
102.0%
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Year
s
Free Growing Achievement
Percentage of Ha achieving FG status Avg # yrs in advance of late FG
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 30
14 Percentage of Permanent Roads and Landings in Harvest Areas
Target: Less than 6 percent, on average, of harvested areas will be in permanent roads and landings. Variance: None
Indicators Related to the Target
2.2.1 Additions and deletions to the forest area
3.1.1 Level of soil disturbance
4.1.1 Net Carbon Uptake
Assessment Results: The 3.3% area in permanent access is below the target of less than 6%.
0.0%
1.0%
2.0%
3.0%
4.0%
5.0%
6.0%
5000
8000
11000
14000
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Perc
ent P
erm
anen
t A
cces
s (T
arge
t is
6%)
Gro
ss H
arve
st A
rea
(ha)
Year
Gross Harvest Area and Permanent Access Structure Relationship
Gross harvest area Percent permanent access
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 31
15 Annual Allowable Cut
Target: Harvest the annual cut over the cut control period. Variance: As allowed within the Cut-Control Regulation
Indicators Related to the Target
2.2.2 Proportion of the calculated long-term sustainable harvest level that is harvested
5.1.1 Quantity and quality of timber and non-timber benefits, products, and services produced in the DFA
5.2.1 Level of investment in initiatives that contribute to community stability
5.2.3 Level of direct and indirect employment
6.3.1 Evidence that the organization has co-operated with other forest-dependent
businesses, forest users, and the local community to strengthen and diversify the local economy
Assessment Results: The reporting tenures have an Annual Allowable Cut (AAC) of 2,152,824 m3. Similar to 2015, the harvest volume of 2,506,271 m3 is approximately 16% above the AAC. Harvest levels must fall within the tolerances allowed by the Cut Control Regulation. Performance by Licensee is indicated below:
Licensee 2016 AAC (m3) 2016 Harvest (m3) WFN 87,400 94,346 Tolko 1,419,428 1,765,929 BCTS 645,996 625,403* Total 2,152,824 2,506,271
*volume crossing the scales in the reporting period
1,500,000
2,000,000
2,500,000
3,000,000
3,500,000
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Harvest vs. AAC (m3)
AAC
Harvest
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 32
16 Soil Disturbance Limits
Target: Zero percent of cutblocks harvested in which soil disturbance exceeds specified level of disturbance. Variance: None
Indicators Related to the Target
3.1.1 Level of soil disturbance
Assessment Results: The results indicate that 448 out of 450 harvested blocks were within their prescribed soil disturbance limits. The target of 100% was not met. Tolko advised that their supervisor shut down operations immediately on 2 sites. The contractor was trained and empowered to implement shut down procedures. Both areas were rehabilitated upon harvest completion and will be reforested.
Licensee
Blocks Harvested
Blocks meeting soil disturbance levels
%
Area (ha)
% sensitive terrain
BCTS 84 84 100% 1944 9.9% WFN 15 15 100% 333 10.9% Tolko 351 349 99.4% 6194 1.1% Totals 450 448 99.6% 8471 3.5%
6000
8000
10000
12000
6000
8000
10000
12000
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Harvestarea
Area harvested meeting soil disturbance levels
area(ha) harvestareameetingsoildisturbancetargets
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 33
17 Landslides
Target: Report all slides. All mitigative actions planned for any slide will be completed within the assigned timeframe. Variance: none
Indicators Related to the Target
3.1.1 Level of soil disturbance
Assessment Results: One landslide was reported for 2016. Mitigation measures completed, the culvert outlet was relocated to establish natural drainage. Erosion within block rehabilitated, grass seeded and will be regenerated. Area of instability was grass seeded.For additional perspective, a total of 9,083 ha were harvested during the reporting period. Target was met.
18 Coarse Woody Debris Retention
Target: One hundred percent of cut-blocks will be consistent with the CWD requirements identified in plans. Variance: None
Indicators Related to the Target
3.1.2 Level of downed woody debris
Assessment Results: All 450 harvested areas conformed to the CWD requirements for these areas. The 100% target has been achieved in each of the past six years.
Item BCTS WFN Tolko Totals CB's meeting Plan CWD requirements 84 15 351 450 Total # Cut Blocks harvested 84 15 351 450
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 34
19 Retention of Piles and Windrows
Target: One hundred percent of cut blocks that require debris accumulating to meet reforestation objectives have a proportion of loose piles or windrows retained. Variance: 10%
Indicators Related to the Target
3.1.2 Level of downed woody debris
Assessment Results: 52 out of 56 cutblocks with plans for debris accumulation had loose piles or windrows retained. The target has been met when the variance is applied.
Licensee # Blocks with Debris Planned
# Blocks Debris Retained
Percentage
BCTS 31 31 100% WFN 12 12 100% Tolko 43 39 91% Totals 86 82 95%
357 341
439
383
437
450
157 150183
107
143
82
050100150200250300350400450
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Blo
cks
harv
este
d
Number of blocks harvested and those site prepared with debris piles retained
#cutblocksharvested #blockswithdebrisretained
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 35
20 Harvesting Within Community Watersheds
Target: Maintain the Equivalent Clearcut Area (ECA) in community watersheds such that the peak flow hazard is at or below a moderate rating. If it is necessary to increase the peak flow hazard beyond moderate as the result of harvesting for forest health or because of catastrophic natural events, the harvesting must be consistent with the recommendations in the watershed assessment.
Variance: n/a
Indicators Related to the Target
3.2.1 Proportion of watershed or water management areas with recent stand-replacing disturbance
Assessment Results: Peak flow hazard has been maintained at a low or moderate rating for all harvesting that occurred in community watersheds. In addition, all harvesting was consistent with recommendations of the individual watershed assessments. Target has been met. Community Watershed ECA (%) ECA in
snow sensitive
zone
Harvest in Year (Y/N)
Peak Flow
Hazard
Harvest Consistent
(Y/N/)
Alocin 27 27 Y M Y Duteau Creek 25 28 Y M Y Ellis 25 24 Y M Y Gordan Creek 40 39 Y M Y Lambly (Bear) Creek 21 33 Y M Y Mill (Kelowna) Creek 28 49 Y H Y Mission Creek 18 22 Y M Y Peachland Creek 16 20 Y M Y Powers Creek 23 28 Y M Y Trepanier 13 14 Y L Y Trout 21 33 Y M Y Vernon 28 44 Y M Y
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 36
Trends in peak flow hazard (where harvest took place in 2016) by Community Watershed
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Community Watershed Peak flow hazard rating Brash Creek no
harvest no
harvest no
harvest L L no
harvest Duteau Creek M M M M M M Ellis M M M L M M Lambly (Bear) Creek no
harvest no
harvest no
harvest M M M
Mill (Kelowna) Creek M M H H H H Mission Creek L L L M M M Peachland Creek L L L M M M Powers Creek no
harvest M M M M M
Trepanier L L L L L L Trout no
harvest M M M M M
Vernon no harvest
M M M M M
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 37
21 Stream Crossings in Community Watersheds
Target: 100% of newly constructed or reconstructed permanent road stream crossings in Community Watersheds have a water quality effectiveness evaluation incorporated into the planning, construction, and maintenance and monitoring phases. Licensees will bench mark and report on the number of crossings rated as High, Medium and Low. No “High” ratings Variance: 10% variance allowed regarding effectiveness evaluations. “High” rating acceptable if reasonable mitigation measures taken.
Indicators Related to the Target
3.2.2 Water Quality and Quantity
Assessment Results: All (16/16) permanent road stream crossings incorporated a water quality effectiveness evaluation into their design, construction and maintenance. The target has been met.
Licensee
Stream Crossings
Number with evaluation completed
% High Risk
% Mod Risk
% Low Risk
# High with Mitigation
BCTS 10 10 100% 0 WFN 1 1 100% 0 Tolko 5 5 20% 80% 0 Totals 16 16 n/a 6% 94% 0
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 38
22 Permanent Road Inspections
Target: 100 percent of permanent roads inspections will be completed as planned. Variance: None
Indicators Related to the Target
3.2.3 Completion of inspections on permanent roads (non core indicator)
Assessment Results: Overall more road inspections were completed than were planned for inspection. However, because some planned road inspections did not occur, the target has not been met.
Licensee Km of Road Inspections Roads by Risk Cat. (%) Required Completed % High Mod Low
BCTS 714.7 714.7 100.0% 19 30 51 WFN 157.9 145.6 92.2% 41 35 24 Tolko 1389.8 1386.1 99.7% 27 14 59 Totals 2,262.4 2,246.4 99.3%
Note: There were an additional 189.4 km of unscheduled road inspections completed on roads in the vicinity of planned road inspections. Note: Road inspections are scheduled at a frequency that considers that roads environmental risk. Some of the factors considered in a roads risk rating include average precipitation, slope, soil texture, and age of the road. Additionally risk rating might also consider consequence by including factors such as roads in community watersheds, proximity to communities or public structures such as highways and rail lines. WFN: 3 roads not completed because of active use by Wind Power contractors. 4 road sections not completed because of access issues. Tolko: 4 road sections equaling 3.7 km’s/1,389.8Km’s (0.3%) of deactivated temporary block spur roads were not inspected because the inspector was unable to access these roads. The 3.7 km’s are planned for 2017 inspection.
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 39
24 Revegetation of Roads and Landings
Target: Permanent road cut and fill slope revegetation application carried out within the current growing season of road completion under normal conditions; and for roads completed during winter, revegetation application will be completed before or during favourable germinating conditions the following spring. 100 percent of rights-of-way revegetated for noxious weed and erosion control with Canada No.1 or equivalent grass seed. Variance: Grass seed occurs in the subsequent growing season.
Indicators Related to the Target
3.2.5 Amount of time for road cut and fill slope revegetation application (non core indicator)
5.1.1 Quantity and quality of timber and non-timber benefits, products, and services produced in the DFA
6.3.1 Evidence that the organization has co-operated with other forest-dependent businesses, forest users, and the local community to strengthen and diversify the local economy
Assessment Results: The results indicate that revegetation was carried out on 77.4 km of newly constructed permanent road. All roads built in 2015/16 and not revegatated in that season were seeded in the 2016/17 reporting period. Thus the revegetation target has been met when the variance is applied. All seed purchased for revegetation purposes was Canada No 1 seed.
Kg. Seed Purchased Licensee
Km Road Constructed
Road Constructed & Revegetated (km) Target met
No. 1 seed
All seed %
BCTS 39.8 39.8/17.6* Y 389 389 100% WFN 5.9 4 Y 1,247 1,247 100% Tolko 198.1 33.6/225.4* Y 21,802 21,802 100% Totals 243.8 77.4 Y 23,438 23,438 100%
* first number is seeding of roads constructed in the current reporting period, second number is seeding on roads constructed in the previous reporting period (refer to target variance).
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 40
25 Environmental Incidents Within Riparian Areas
Target: Licensees will report the number of environmental incidents related to riparian areas. 100% of action items to restore the area and/or prevent the reoccurrence of those incidents will be completed within the timeframes. Variance: None
Indicators Related to the Target
3.2.6 Level of conformance to riparian area commitments within plans (non-core indicator)
Assessment Results: The licensee responded adequately to the one riparian incident within the set timeline.
Licensee Riparian Incomplete Incidents Response BCTS 0 0 Tolko 1 0 WFN 0 0 Totals 1 0
Tolko: Environmental incident report was completed. Professional assessment and remediation plan was developed. Action items will be completed in accordance with the plan.
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 41
26 Value-added and Business Initiatives/Partnerships
Target: Maintain active involvement with value-added and business initiatives/partnerships. Variance: n/a
Indicators Related to the Target
5.1.1 Quantity and quality of timber and non-timber benefits, products, and
services produced in the DFA
5.2.1 Level of investment in initiatives that contribute to community stability
6.3.1 Evidence that the organization has co-operated with other forest-dependent
businesses, forest users, and the local community to strengthen and diversify the local economy
Assessment Results: The participating licensees report the following value-added and business initiatives/partnerships for the reporting period: BCTS - Have sold timber to the following BCTS licensees who in turn sold the logs they produced to other manufacturing facilities or used in their own operations:
Greenwood Forest Products, Levi, Mike Closs Logging, David Lusted, R & A Logging Ltd., Canadian Bandmills Ltd., Vaagen Fibre Canada, Tolko Industries Ltd., Keith Patrick Lawrence, Breson Holdings Ltd., Cridland Logging Ltd., Princeton Co-Generation Corp., Richwood Fencing Ltd., Canadian Cedar Oil Technologies Ltd., David John Callas, Thompson Okanagan :Log, John Thomas Lusted, Leonard Gudeit, Lakeside Timber Ltd., Porcupine Forest Producers, John Patrick Fisher, Joseph Gilbert, W. J. Balcaen, G. L. Kroeker, Main Logging, Daryl Watts, Pine Ideas, Gorman Brothers, Piva Logging, George Harrisson
Tolko - During the reporting period, Tolko worked with 14 different value added customers. We also relied on 125 different suppliers. WFN - Logs were sold to Gorman Bros., Tolko and Celgar. Partnership with the City of West Kelowna to conduct Fuel Mitigation work on the West Kelowna interface. Tolko logs for lumber partnership.
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 42
27 Access Management Commitments
Target: 100 percent of annual access management commitments contained within the FSP will be implemented during the reporting period. Variance: None
Indicators Related to the Target
5.1.1 Quantity and quality of timber and non-timber benefits, products, and services produced in the DFA
5.2.5 Opportunities for public access and for public input
6.3.1 Evidence that the organization has co-operated with other forest-dependent businesses, forest users, and the local community to strengthen and diversify the local economy
Assessment Results: Target has been met; all access commitments were implemented.
Licensee Access Plans Implemented Not Implemented BCTS 22 0 Tolko 62 0 WFN 1 0 Totals 85 0
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 43
28 Visual Quality Objectives
Target: 100 percent conformance to site plans having preservation, retention or partial retention visual quality objectives. Variance: None, although authorized harvest (i.e. salvage) that is given an exemption from the Visual Quality Objective (VQO) is deemed to have met the intent.
Indicators Related to the Target
5.1.1 Quantity and quality of timber and non-timber benefits, products, and services produced in the DFA
6.3.1 Evidence that the organization has co-operated with other forest-dependent businesses, forest users, and the local community to strengthen and diversify the local economy
Assessment Results: The target was not met as one of 72 blocks did not meet it’s visual objective (98.6 % compliance).
Tolko: Harvest block LL7020 did not meet the intent of the site plan. From a viewpoint on the Sugar Lake FSR, the block has a rectilinear appearance. The viewpoint is not a recreation site or on private land so the viewing duration of the block appearance will be short as people drive along the FSR. In 2016 Tolko requested assistance from three different consultants to complete visual renderings of proposed blocks to assist with improved visual design. This practice of visual renderings on proposed blocks in high visible areas will provide guidance with block and road design.
Licensee
Blocks with P, R or PR VQO's
# Harvested Meeting VQO's
Percent Compliance
BCTS 23 23 100.0% WFN 3 3 100.0% Tolko 46 45 97.8% Totals 72.0 71.0 98.6%
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 44
0.0%
5.0%
10.0%
15.0%
20.0%
25.0%
30.0%
35.0%
40.0%
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
PercentofBlocksHarvested
HarvestinVisuallySensitiveAreas
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 45
29 Research and Educational Sponsorship
Target: Maintain involvement and sponsorship in research and educational initiatives (e.g., summer students, post graduate research projects, volunteer sites for studies, association support – FERIC, Forest Products Association of Canada, OSLRMP Wildlife subcommittee, etc.). Variance: n/a
Indicators Related to the Target
5.1.1 Quantity and quality of timber and non-timber benefits, products, and services produced in the DFA
6.5.1 Number of people reached through educational outreach
Assessment Results: WFN • Hired two WFN summer students and one 3rd year UBC forestry student (4
months each) • Partnership with UBC/UBCO to further cultural use studies. • Work with Okanagan College on indigenous garden project • WFN Career Fair
BCTS • A L Fortune tree planting education • ILMA Booth Annual Tradeshow • Begbie View Elementary • Stepping Stones Daycare • Columbia Park Elementary • Okanagan Regional Library - Revelstoke Branch • Collaborated with FP Innovations • Hired a First Nations summer student
Tolko
• Summer Students - four summer students (16 person-months total) • FPInnovations (FERIC/Forintek)
o Ongoing membership www.fpinnovations.ca o Specialized Tolko reports, i.e. fuel consumption o Implementing/trouble-shooting/improving FPdat’s on equipment to
monitor maintenance and productivity • Forest Products Association of Canada. www.fpac.ca
o Working with gov’t and linking with research/educational initiatives • National Council for Air and Stream Improvement Inc. (NCASI). www.ncasi.org
o Membership supports/undertakes various research initiatives.
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 46
• Rutland Senior Secondary o Forestry class hired to plant seedlings. Jerome provided supervision
and mentoring. • Maintained board membership on the Kamloops woodlot (WL#345) education
society, Jerome Girard. • Through partial funding from the Northern Development Initiative Trust, Tolko
hired Forest Liaison Inc who worked with contractor operators and implemented a coaching/mentoring program.
30 Trail Management
Target: 100% conformance to Site Plan commitments that manage for trails. Variance: None
Indicators Related to the Target
5.1.1 Quantity and quality of timber and non-timber benefits, products, and services produced in the DFA
6.3.1 Evidence that the organization has co-operated with other forest-dependent businesses, forest users, and the local community to strengthen and diversify the local economy
Assessment Results: There was 100% conformance to plan commitments made to manage trails.
Licensee Cutblocks Harvested with Trail Commitments
Number of Trails
Managed Number completed as per
Plan BCTS 5 5 WFN 1 1 Tolko 26 26 Totals 32.0 32.0
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 47
31 Environmental and Safety Training
Target: 100% of DFA forest contractors will have both environmental and safety training. 90% of woodlands employees are trained in accordance with training plans. Variance: none
Indicators Related to the Target
5.2.2 Level of investment in training and skills development.
Assessment Results: The results for contractor and licensee employees indicate a conformance rate of 100%. Both targets have been met.
Licensee Contractors Licensee Employees
#
Contractors E & S*
Trained % # Employees Trained as
Planned % BCTS 80 80 100% 47 47 100% WFN 4 4 100% 4 4 100% Tolko 73 73 100% 15 15 100% Totals 157.0 157.0 100% 66.0 66.0 100%
* Environment and Safety
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 48
32 First Nations Partnerships
Target: Support partnership opportunities (including training) with First Nations through mutually beneficial involvement in forest management. Variance: n/a
Indicators Related to the Target
5.2.4 Level of Aboriginal participation in the forest economy
6.4.3 Evidence of efforts to promote capacity development and meaningful participation for Aboriginal communities
Assessment Results: BCTS - Cultural heritage assessment contracts with the following First Nations: • Splatsin First Nation, Westbank First Nation, Adams Lake Band, Penticton Indian
Band, Neskonlith Indian Band, Little Shuswap Indian Band, Shuswap Indian Band and the Ktunaxa Nation.
• Cultural Heritage Assessment Contract, Road Inspections, Timber Disposition Agreement with the Okanagan Indian Band
WFN • All primary harvesting contracts (harvesting, roadbuilding, hauling, silviculture) are
WFN First Nation contractors. • Service Agreement in place with the Upper Nicola Band.
Tolko • Service Agreements with the following First Nations for the review of FSP
referrals and CHR field assessments/reports with the Westbank First Nation, Upper Nicola Band, Okanagan Band, Splatsin First Nation, Adams Lake Band, Nicola Tribal Association, Lower Nicola Indian Band, Esh-kn-am and the Neskonlith Band.
• Planting, contract with Splatsin First Nation. • Pile burning contracts with Splatsin First Nation and the Upper Nicola Band. • Harvesting contract with Splatsin First Nation and Westbank First Nation. • Brash Creek cultural heritage assessment with Splatsin First Nation. • Westbank First Nation/Tolko logs for lumber agreement.
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 49
33 Harvest Allocation to First Nations
Target: At the discretion of government, approximately 10% of the TSA’s AAC will be offered to First Nation ventures. Licensees will also report the volume that has been accepted by First Nations. Variance: n/a
Indicators Related to the Target
5.2.4 Level of Aboriginal participation in the forest economy
Assessment Results: The AAC of the Okanagan Timber Supply Area was 3,375,000m3 in 2011 and reduced to 3,100.000 m3 in March 2012. As of March 31, 2016 there was 244,291m3 of AAC offered to First Nations representing 7.9% of the Okanagan TSA AAC. The carry forward of non-uptake volume into a new license is the reason why the awarded volume exceeds the offered volume to such a high degree.
Annual Allowable Cut Volume (m3) Volume offered to First Nations 244,291 m3
Volume accepted by First Nations 529,144 m3
7.6 7.69.2 10.3
7.9 7.9
0
3
6
9
12
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Perc
ent o
f AA
C
Year
Volume Offered to First Nations
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 50
34 Public Advisory Group Satisfaction Survey
Target: Advisory group feedback will result in: a. 80% of survey responses “3” or better b. All written comments are reviewed and considered, and all line responses with a
rating averaging less than 3.0 become action items Variance: n/a
Indicators Related to the Target
5.2.5 Opportunities for public access and for public input
6.4.1 Level of participant satisfaction with the public participation process
Assessment Results: The survey response averaged 4.0 out of 5, slightly better than the previous years scoring of 3.9. 94% of responses to survey questions scored “3” (satisfactory) or better. There were five individual members responding to the survey. See Appendix I for more rating information and individual comments.
1
2
3
4
5
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Average rating from 1 (poor) to 5 (very good)
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 51
35 Public/Stakeholder Participation in Forest Planning
Target: Participate in the following public processes: • Higher level plan committee meetings • Forest Stewardship Plan (FSP) meetings • Stakeholder meetings
Variance: n/a
Indicators Related to the Target
5.2.5 Opportunities for public access and for public input
6.4.2 Evidence of efforts to promote capacity development and meaningful participation in general
Assessment Results: Licensees participate in numerous public meetings.
FSP Stakeholder Licensee meetings attended meetings attended
BCTS 14 8 WFN 4 16 Tolko 21 37 Total 39 61
When compared to the previous reporting period, FSP meetings decreased slightly from 44 to 39 while stakeholder meetings increased from 43 to 61.
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 52
36 Communication with First Nations
Target: Open communication with affected aboriginal communities will be provided in advance of harvesting, road building, herbicide application or broadcast fertilization activities 100% of the time. Licensees respond to all written requests for communication from First Nations. Variance: None
Indicators Related to the Target
6.1.1 Evidence of a good understanding of the nature of Aboriginal title and rights
6.1.2 Evidence of best efforts to obtain acceptance of management plans based on Aboriginal communities having a clear understanding of the plans
6.2.1 Evidence of understanding and use of Aboriginal knowledge through the engagement of willing Aboriginal communities, using a process that identifies and manages culturally important resources and values
Assessment Results: Communication activities provided to aboriginal communities in advance of activities were extensive. The target of responding to all written requests was achieved.
Licensee # Times Info Provided # Written Information
In Adv. Of Activities
Not in Adv. Of Activities Requests Responses
BCTS 11 0 16 16 WFN 6 0 1 1 Tolko 27 0 10 42
Totals 44 0 27 59
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 53
37 Incorporation of Traditional Knowledge in Forest Planning
Target: Incorporation of traditional knowledge, non-timber resources, and cultural and spiritual values in forest planning where they have been identified and shared by willing aboriginal communities Variance: n/a
Indicators Related to the Target
6.1.2 Evidence of best efforts to obtain acceptance of management plans based on Aboriginal communities having a clear understanding of the plans
6.1.3 Level of management and/or protection of areas where culturally important practices and activities (hunting, fishing, gathering) occur
6.2.1 Evidence of understanding and use of Aboriginal knowledge through the engagement of willing Aboriginal communities, using a process that identifies and manages culturally important resources and values
6.4.3 Evidence of efforts to promote capacity development and meaningful participation for Aboriginal communities
Assessment Results: There were 44 events where forest management activities incorporated specific First Nation values, nearly twice the number reported in 2014 and 2015. Target has been met.
# Affected Cutblocks Licensee Harvested Where commitments met
BCTS 26 26
WFN 10 10
Tolko 8 8
Totals 44 44
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 54
38 Forestry Contractor Safety and SAFE Certification
Target: 100% of contractors conducting on the groundwork are SAFE Company registered and/or certified or they carry an equivalent safety program. Variance: None
Indicators Related to the Target
6.3.2 Evidence of co-operation with DFA-related workers and their unions to improve and enhance safety standards, procedures, and outcomes in all DFA-related workplaces and affected communities
Assessment Results: All 159 contractors were considered to have the SAFE certification or equivalent. 5 small contractors were removed from the data results. The target of 100% was achieved.
Licensee # Forest # with SAFE
Cert. Percent Contractors or Equivalent Certified
BCTS* 80 75 100% WFN 4 4 100% Tolko 75 75 100% Totals 159.0 154.0 100%
* 5 small contractors were exempted from this requirement in accordance with the BCTS safety program
120
140
160
180
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Num
ber o
f Con
trac
tors
Contractors with Safety Certification
# Forest Contractors # Certified
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 55
39 Forest Licensee Safety and SAFE Certification
Target: 100% of CSA SFM participating licensees will be SAFE Company certified. Reporting: Licensees will report a yes/no answer as to whether they are SAFE Company certified. Variance: None
Indicators Related to the Target
6.3.3 Evidence that a worker safety program has been implemented and is periodically reviewed and improved
Assessment Results: All Licensees report SAFE certification. The 100% target was achieved.
40 Responding to Public Communication Requests
Target: Respond to all written public communications related to forest operations within 30 days of receipt. Variance: n/a
Indicators Related to the Target
6.4.2 Evidence of efforts to promote capacity development and meaningful participation in general
Assessment Results: The target was met, results are as follows:
Avg. Response Time (days) Licensee
# Communications related to
forest operations # Requiring Response
# Responded to simple weighted
BCTS 15 15 15 1.5 0.78 WFN 2 2 2 0 0.00 Tolko 9 9 9 8 2.48 Totals 26 26 26 n/a 3.26
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 56
41 Forestry Education and Public Awareness Target: Conduct educational classroom visits in public schools, promote public
participation in forestry tours and conduct public presentations to increase public knowledge and understanding about sustainable forest management. Variance: n/a
Indicators Related to the Target
6.4.2 Evidence of efforts to promote capacity development and meaningful participation in general
6.5.1 Number of people reached through educational outreach
Assessment Results: Over 3000 people were reached in 2016. This compares to 1021 people reached in 2015 and 2200 people reached in 2014. Target was achieved.
Licensee # public activities # people reached BCTS 9 2417 WFN 8 153 Tolko 13 587 Totals 30 3157
42 Communications With the Public Target: Licensees will keep members of the public informed of TSA strategies being
developed, and planning occurring, by maintaining websites or by other means as desired. Variance: n/a
Indicators Related to the Target
6.4.2 Evidence of efforts to promote capacity development and meaningful participation in general
6.5.2 Availability of summary information on issues of concern to the public
Assessment Results: The SFM website is maintained and used to share information. For the reporting period, there were 1,563 website visits and 4,145 webpage views. Nearly one half (47%) of the website visits were from Canada. The next highest number of visits came from the UK (22%). The remaining visits were from other countries including the United States, Italy, Russia, Germany, Austria and China.
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 57
43 Harvested Area by Silviculture System Target: Licensees will report annually on the area harvested by silviculture-system
(even-aged, even-aged with reserves, uneven aged) by Biogeoclimatic Zone Reporting: Report net area to be reforested for harvested cutblocks by silviculture system and by Biogeoclimatic zone (i.e. IDF, MS, ESSF) Variance: n/a
Indicators Related to the Target
1.1.5 Harvest system diversity
Assessment Results:
Silviculture System BEC Zone Even-
Aged Even Aged
with Reserves Uneven
Aged Total
IDF 429.9 1,349.6 32.4 1,811.9 ICH 594.3 1,501.3 - 2,095.6 MS 128.6 1,432.1 0.4 1,561.1 ESSF 1,135.1 1,867.0 - 3,002.1
Total 2,287.9 6,150.0 32.8 8,470.7
0
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Hec
tare
s
Harvest by Silviculture System
Uneven Aged
Even Aged with Reserves
Even-Aged
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 59
Appendix I
Okanagan Public Advisory Group Satisfaction Survey Results
(Target 34 results)
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 61
Advisory Group Survey Questions - 2016 The following table describes the ratings scale from 1 to 5.
1 2 3 4 5 Poor Satisfactory Very Good
# Question 2016
Rating 2015
Rating 1
I feel that the Terms of Reference provide clear direction to the Public Advisory Group and I am in general agreement with their contents. 4.0 3.7
2 I have a good understanding of the purpose of the Advisory Group and my role as part of that group. 4.2 4.0
3 My input related to the SFM values and objectives are being adequately listened to at the Advisory Group meetings and efforts have been made to incorporate my input into the SFM Plan. 4.0 3.7
4 My input related to the SFM indicators, targets, strategies and monitoring programs are being adequately listened to at the Advisory Group meetings and efforts have been made to incorporate my input into the SFM Plan. 3.8 3.6
5 Issues relevant to SFM in the DFA are discussed and resolved to my satisfaction. 3.8 3.5
6 I am encouraged to make suggestions towards continuous improvement and feel that my suggestions are adopted whenever practical. 3.8 3.9
7 Adequate and relevant information has been provided to me and supports my involvement in the Advisory Group process. 4.0 3.9
8 Additional information I ask for is provided to me. 4.0 3.9 9 My involvement in the Advisory Group and the information that I receive
has resulted in a better understanding of the interrelationships between Forest Companies, BCTS and other resource users. 4.4 3.9
10 Advisory Group meetings are run efficiently and effectively and provide a good forum for discussion between Advisory Group members. 4.4 4.5
11 The meeting agenda allows for discussion of any related sustainable forestry issues of concern to advisory group members. 4.4 4.2
12 The Advisory Group meeting minutes capture important aspects of the meeting. 4.2 4.0
13 Communication with advisory group members between meetings is adequate. 3.8 3.8
14 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. 4.2 4.5
16 Overall, the Advisory Group process is designed and functioning to my satisfaction. 3.6 3.7
Total Average Rating 4.0 3.9
Additional Comments: I did not provide input on questions that I felt were not applicable to me.
I think we need to make a more concerted effort on the continuous improvement end of things.
Good format for PAG members to stay informed and advise their constituary group.
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 62
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 63
Appendix II
Licensee Performance Summaries
2016/17
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 64
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 65
BCTS – Okanagan-Columbia May 2017
2016/17 SFM MONITORING SUMMARY
More information on how BCTS performed against all 42
sustainability indicators can be obtained by contacting
Jason Stupnikoff at:
BCTS – Okanagan-Columbia
Phone: 250 837 7603
2501-14th Ave. Vernon, British Columbia
V1T 8Z1
B.C. Timber Sales Okanagan-Columbia
Banting Creek, Monashees, 2016
BCTS SFM Performance Highlights: 2016/17
Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) targets were achieved for all targets relating to the sustainability criteria in the Okanagan Sustainable Forest Management Plan. BCTS highlights of the 2016-17 SFM Report are as follows:
• Cultural Heritage assessment contracts with 9 First Nation communities for site specific field reviews and review of development referrals.
• Timber Disposition Agreement with Okanagan Indian Band (approx. 33,000m3).
• Achieved Visual Quality Objectives.
• 100% of permanent road stream crossings in community watersheds have had a water quality effectiveness evaluation completed.
• All blocks declared Free to Grow had 3 or more species.
• Area in permanent roads and landings within target. • All cut blocks harvested met CWD commitments
• Road inspection target of 714.7 km achieved
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 66
Conclusions from the BCTS Management Review
The monitoring results indicate that BCTS Okanagan Columbia is meeting or exceeding the targets contained in the SFM plan.
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 67
Tolko Okanagan Woodlands May 2016
2016/17 SFM MONITORING SUMMARY
More information on how Tolko performed against all 42 sustainability targets can be
obtained by contacting Paul Ross, Area Supervisor
Tolko Okanagan Southern Interior Woodlands
Phone: 250 547 2111 [email protected]
4280 Highway 6, Lumby British Columbia
V0E 2G7
www.tolko.com
Free growing block LY9401, Beaven Road Tolko’s Okanagan Woodlands SFM Performance Highlights: 2016 This was the seventh year of reporting under the revised Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) Plan that was developed to meet the requirements of the CSA Z809-08 standard. Performance goals were achieved for 39 of the 42 targets relating to the sustainability criteria in the Plan.
• There were 264 cutblocks or roads influenced by Okanagan Shuswap LRMP/ Kootenay Boundary Land use Plan (LUP) strategies and identified wildlife species. Strategies were followed in all cases.
• All planned CWD commitments (350 blocks) were achieved.
• All planned Trail commitments (26 blocks) were achieved.
• Tolko established 16 agreements/contract work with 9 First Nation communities for FSP referral field reviews and forestry work.
• All planned Access Plan commitments (FSP) for road deactivation/rehabilitation to walk-in lakes were achieved.
• 1,579.2 km’s of roads were inspected, the equivalent driving distance from Vernon, BC to Hargrave, Manitoba (Hwy-1).
• All 339 harvested cutblocks achieved wildlife tree retention as per site plan requirements with 85% of the total harvested area achieving the minimum 2-5 stubs or trees per hectare.
• 80% of declared FG cutblocks have 3 or more tree species compared to the target of 70%
• 75% of cutblocks were planted within 2 years of harvest compared to the target of 70%.
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 68
Target Performance Requirements Were Not Achieved for 3 Targets
16
22
28
Target: Zero percent of cutblocks harvested in which soil disturbance exceeds specified level of disturbance. KM1054 and KM1074 disturbance occurred in two blocks resulting in 0.1% (7 hectares) of dispersed disturbance. Operations were immediately shutdown by the Tolko supervisor. The contractor was trained and empowered to implement shut down procedures. Both areas were rehabilitated upon harvest completion and will be reforested. Target: 100 percent of road inspections will be completed as planned. 4 road sections equaling 3.7 km’s/1,389.8Km’s (0.3%) of deactivated temporary block spur roads were not inspected because the inspector was unable to access these roads. The 3.7 km’s are planned for 2017 inspection.
Target: 100 percent conformance to site plans having preservation, retention, or partial retention visual quality objectives.
Harvest area LL7020 did not meet the intent of the site plan. From a viewpoint on the Sugar Lake FSR, the block has a rectilinear appearance. The viewpoint is not a recreation site or on private land so the viewing duration of the block appearance will be short as people drive along the FSR. In 2016 Tolko requested assistance from three different consultants to complete visual renderings of proposed blocks to assist with improved visual design. This practice of visual renderings on proposed blocks in high visible areas will provide guidance with block and road design.
Conclusions from the Management Review
The monitoring results indicate that Tolko Okanagan Regional Woodlands is meeting or exceeding the majority of targets contained in the SFM plan.
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 69
Westbank First Nation May 2017
2016/17 SFM MONITORING SUMMARY
More information on how Westbank First Nation
performed against all 42 sustainability targets can be
obtained by contacting Dave Gill
Westbank First Nation Ntityix Resources LP.
Dave Gill, RPF
Phone: 250 768-5617
3522A Red Cloud Way
Westbank, BC V4T 2G9
www.wfndc.ca
Wildfire mitigation work near West Kelowna
Westbank First Nation’s SFM Performance Highlights 2016:
Highlights of the 2016 SFM report include:
• First Free-Growing survey completed on WFN’s Community Forest
• Less than 1% of the gross area harvested in 2016 is occupied by permanent roads and landings.
• At least three species were planted in each block planted in 2016.
• One bridge crossing completed in a Community Watershed where sediment delivery rating was ranked as Low.
Performance Requirements Were Not Achieved for 1 Target Target 22: 12.3km of the 157.9 km of roads planned for inspection were not completed. Some of the roads were inaccessible because of industrial closures (Pennask Wind project) and some were inaccessible because of downed trees. These roads will be included into the 2017 inspection program.
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 71
Appendix III
Defined Forest Area Map
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 73
Okanagan SFM Monitoring Report – 2016/17 www.thompsonokanagansustainableforestry.ca
Page 74
Top Related