Input sought on Williams Lake FLP/Forest Landscape Plan

Courtesy of the Government of BC: 

Local residents are invited to share their input on the development of the Cariboo-Chilcotin forest landscape plan (FLP) to guide long-term forest management decisions in the area.

People can share their thoughts through a survey, which will run from Monday, April 13 to May 30, 2026. The Ministry of Forests will also hold two open houses so the community can learn more about forest landscape planning and ask questions.

Open house details are as follows:

April 29, 2026
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Gibraltar Room, Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex
525 Proctor St.
Williams Lake

May 2, 2026
10 a.m. to noon
Community Club
2620 Stum Lake Rd.
Alexis Creek

First Nations and community engagement

FLPs are developed in partnership with First Nations to ensure meaningful participation in forestry planning and long-term decision-making.

The following First Nations have partnered with the Province on the Cariboo-Chilcotin FLP:

• Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation
• Tsq’escen’ (Canim Lake Band)
• Nuxalk
• Tsideldel
• Xatśūll
• Tl’esqox
• Ulkatcho
• Esk’etemc
• Yunesit’in
• ?Esdilagh Nazko
• Xeni Gwet’in
• Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN)
• Tsilhqot’in National Government
• Lhoosk’uz
• Lhtako
• Xwisten

Engagement with other First Nations in the area continues.

Engagement with forest licensees, subject-matter experts and the public is a key part of every FLP. This ensures that all parties have opportunities to share their perspectives and help inform decisions about future forest management in the region. The Cariboo-Chilcotin FLP team regularly updates forest licensees on planning progress and has scheduled a meeting for licensees to attend to further discuss how their expertise can support plan development alongside community identified values.

Through early collaboration with First Nations partners and initial engagement with forest licence holders, key themes have emerged that will be integrated into the survey for public feedback to reflect community priorities.

Developing FLPs is a new approach to forest stewardship that establishes clear direction for the management of forest-related values, such as old forests, biodiversity, ecosystem health, climate change, watershed health and wildfire risk.

Once feedback is received, the next step is to incorporate feedback into the FLP itself.

Quick Facts:

• B.C. has 15 forest landscape tables that are at various phases of planning, representing 42% of the area intended for FLPs.
• FLP design is guided by five key objectives: 
  • manage the values placed on forest ecosystems by First Nation
  • support the protection and conservation of the environment
  • support production and supply of timber in the forest landscape area
  • manage the values placed on ecosystems by local communities
  • prevent, mitigate and adapt to effects caused by significant disturbances to forests and forest health

Learn More:

To learn more about the Cariboo-Chilcotin FLP and provide feedback through the survey, visit:
https://planninginpartnership.ca/p/67dcaa40f2b5af00399085de/commenting

To learn about sustainable forest stewardship and forest landscape plans in B.C., visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/managing-our-forest-resources/forest-landscape-plans

TNG Enhances Emergency Response with Community Fire Trucks

Courtesy of Tŝilhqot’in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) has distributed six Ford F550 fire trucks retrofitted with a water tank and pump to the Tŝilhqot’in communities. These new trucks, supported with funding from Indigenous Services Canada, mark a significant step forward in strengthening the Nation’s capacity for emergency response and fire protection.

This milestone reflects over a decade of advocacy by former Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Joe Alphonse and is a direct outcome of the Collaborative Emergency Management Agreement (CEMA) signed in 2018 between the Tŝilhqot’in Nation, the Province of BC, and the Government of Canada. The agreement was created to recognize and support the Nation’s inherent jurisdiction and traditional knowledge in emergency management.

These trucks directly address critical needs identified in The Fires Awakened Us report, which was developed in response to the devastating 2017 wildfires. The report calls for Indigenous-led emergency preparedness and response measures that are grounded in the land and community.

TNG acknowledges and appreciates the continued partnership with Indigenous Services Canada and remains committed to building resilient, Indigenous-led emergency management systems across all six Tŝilhqot’in communities.

Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Otis Guichon, Tribal Chief, Tŝilhqot’in National Government says:

These fire trucks are the result of our Nation standing strong and demanding change. They are a direct outcome of our leadership’s commitment to assert Tŝilhqot’in jurisdiction over emergency management and protect our communities on our own terms. We are seeing the devastation that wildfires can have on communities right now across the Provinces. Our hope is that these trucks can reduce the potential spread of fire within our communities.

Prescribed burn planned for rural Central Cariboo-Chilcotin areas

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

Upcoming #PrescribedBurn in the rural Central Cariboo-Chilcotin areas 

Locations: 

* Chimney and Felker Lake recreation sites

* north and south sides of Highway 20 near Tŝideldel First Nation

* 35 hectares, along Highway 20 between Hanceville and Chilanko Forks 

Background: 

* Projects to commence later this week (April 2-4, 2025) and conclude April 18th, 2025, all subject to favourable conditions

* Smoke and flames will be visible 

* Crews will ignite ground fuels with hand torches and will control and closely monitor fire activity.

* While burning is underway, traffic control will be on-site to ensure the safety of public and firefighters, short delays may occur

For more information: 

* Prescribed Burning: https://prescribedfire.ca/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=25-Rx-Burn-Central---Westridge&utm_source=Envoke-IB---Central-Zone&utm_term=Information-Bulletin%3A-Prescribed-burn-planned-near-Westridge

* Cariboo Fire Centre: 

Information Officer

Ph: 778 799-2100

Email: CaFCInfo@gov.bc.ca

Enhancing Chilcotin Area Forests Through Brush Cutting

From Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation:

Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation (CCR) Ltd. has been at the forefront of many initiatives to improve forest health. 

One such practice showcasing its ongoing commitment to forest conservation is the implementation of brush-cutting practices – a forestry management technique that involves the removal of excess vegetation like undergrowth and small trees from a forested area. 

The technique helps to enhance forest health, mitigate wildfire risk, and foster vibrant ecosystems for wildlife. Daniel Persson, silviculture superintendent with CCR, explained how brush cutting is playing a role in CCR’s efforts to rehabilitate Chilcotin’s forests. “For CCR, we prioritize the important values the forest holds for local communities and the public; social, cultural, recreational, wildlife habitat and economic. To sustain these values now and for generations, we need to manage the forest designed with these values in mind,” said Persson.  Brush-cutting and spacing forested stands are essential for enhancing the diverse values forests hold. 

By thinning dense stands in the Chilcotin region, specifically when they are young, CCR is attempting to increase tree growth in the retained trees as the nutrients for the site will be dispersed on fewer trees than before the treatment, thereby yielding substantial economic value for future generations while creating a more resilient stand against wildfires.  

“If this thinning work doesn’t get done while stands are young, the high stem (or tree) density of the stand will impede tree growth and remain in an overly dense state with limited values and being exposed to a total loss in the event of a wildfire. The higher density stands also limit the movement and use of ungulate (hoofed mammals such as caribou, deer, elks, etc.) species,” noted Persson.  

Persson further elaborated on brush cutting being like spacing out carrots in your garden: you need to remove the unhealthy, weak, and small carrots to leave room for the healthier carrots to grow. Just like carrots, when trees grow, they too compete over nutrients, water, space, and sunlight. With too many trees in an area, they end up competing over the resources and end up in a stagnant growth pattern. CCR has witnessed three notable outcomes by employing the brush-cutting practice: 

1. Visual and Economic value: “Spacing the trees out can boost the growth trend back on track toward a better-looking forest and a more economical future as the trees will otherwise not get large enough to make lumber. This is especially true for large areas of densely stocked lodgepole pine stands in CCR’s operating area,” noted Persson.  

2. Wildfire Risk Reduction: A crucial role brush cutting plays in maintaining forest and community health is mitigating wildfire risk. By ensuring that ladder fuels (branches and limbs) are cut, CCR reduces the risk of fires climbing up trees and igniting branches and needles. Persson highlighted, “For specific wildfire risk reduction projects, we ensure we prune smaller trees and remove fine fuels on the ground to reduce the risk of crown fires where the fire moves to the top of a tree and can more rapidly spread to others.” 

3. Wildlife Habitat Conservation and Enhancement: CCR's brush-cutting initiatives also create improved habitat for wildlife. Species such as moose, deer, and caribou benefit from a more open stand structure, allowing them to move more freely without getting caught on trees and branches. “The cutting of trees also helps release feed for shorter periods of time and can boost feed availability for ungulate species during tougher winters,” added Persson.  

CCR is now in the process of trying to expand its brush-cutting program so they can treat more areas.  “These types of spacing treatments are crucial to do now to set the next generations up well for the future. Once the timing window to perform these treatments has passed, it will be harder to achieve the objectives of the treatment and the stand might not respond as well to it as it gets older,” said Persson. “That is why we are pushing for it now as a lot of the areas affected by the 2017 wildfire need to be spaced out, and soon!”

Prescribed Burn planned near Doc English

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

The BC Wildfire Service will be conducting an ecosystem restoration burn at the north end of Cotton Road near Riske Creek and Tl’esqox First Nation. This burn will cover approximately 85 hectares of grassland.

Burning may begin as early as March 22, 2024 and continue periodically until April 4, 2024. The exact timing of the burn will be dependent on weather, site and venting conditions. Ignitions will proceed if conditions are suitable and allow for quick smoke dissipation.

BC Wildfire Service staff will prepare, control, and monitor the prescribed burn at all times. Smoke and flames will be highly visible to motorists travelling along Highway 20, and may be visible to surrounding residences.

The purpose of this prescribed burn is to:

• Restore open grasslands by reducing encroachment from juniper and conifer trees
• Improve the grassland forage for future wildlife and cattle grazing
• Reduce the wildfire hazard within the area
• Promote the growth of local plant species while reducing the spread of invasive plant species

 

Historically, grasslands in the Cariboo-Chilcotin were renewed and maintained through frequent, low-intensity ground fires. Such fires prevented tree encroachment, rejuvenated understory plants and helped maintain open grasslands and forests with large trees.

The reintroduction of managed, low-intensity ground fires to these grasslands is intended to restore and maintain the traditional grassland plant communities that are native to these areas. These managed fires also reduce fuel loads, leading to a decreased risk of high intensity wildfires.

Human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and divert critical resources away from naturally caused fires. Always practice safe, responsible open fire use.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.

 You can follow the latest wildfire news:

 

• on the free BC Wildfire Service public mobile app, available for Apple (iOS) and Android devices
• on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
• on Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Contact:

 

BC Wildfire Service

Fire Information Officer

Cariboo Fire Centre

778 799-2100

Upcoming Prescribed Burn along Highway 20 Corridor

From the BC Wildfire Service:

The BC Wildfire Service in partnership with the Tsilhqot’in Nation communities, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, BC Parks, Cariboo Chilcotin Resource District and BC Hydro will be conducting a series of prescribed burns approximately 40 hectares in size along Highway 20.

The goal of this prescribed burn is to reduce wildfire hazard to protect infrastructure and prevent uncontrolled fires along the Highway 20 corridor. Crews will be targeting high risk areas between Lee's Corner lookout and Chilanko Forks.

While burning is underway, traffic control will be on-site to ensure the safety of the public and firefighters.

Burning may begin as early as March 20, 2024, and will continue periodically until May 31, 2024.

The exact timing of the burn will be dependent on weather, site and venting conditions. Ignitions will proceed only if conditions are suitable and allow for quick smoke dissipation.

Smoke and flames from this prescribed burn may be visible from Tsi Del Del, Yunesit’in, T’letinqox, Alexis Creek, Highway 20, and surrounding areas. Firefighters will closely monitor this fire at all times.

Learn More:

A factsheet about prescribed burns and ecosystem restoration burns is available online: https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/prescribed-burns-reduce-wildfire-risks and Cultural and prescribed fire - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.

You can follow the latest wildfire news:

 

• on the free BC Wildfire Service public mobile app, available for Apple (iOS) and Android devices
• on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
• on Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

 

Contact:

 BC Wildfire Service

Fire Information Officer

Cariboo Fire Centre

778 799-2100

Cariboo-Chilcotin First Nations receive funding to transition to Clean Energy Generation

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Cariboo-Chilcotin First Nations communities will receive provincial funding as part of a $7.1 million envelope to develop alternative-energy projects and advance energy efficiency through the Province’s Community Energy Diesel Reduction (CEDR) program, a CleanBC initiative.

“Our CleanBC goal is to reduce diesel consumption for power generation in remote communities by 80% by 2030,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “By building partnerships and creating opportunities with Indigenous communities and businesses, we can help people living in B.C.’s hardest-to-reach communities save money, become less dependent on fossil fuels and benefit from cleaner air and water.”

The energy projects range in size and scope, from $350,000 for the construction of a biomass combined heat-and-power system for the Lhoozk'uz Dene Nation (Quesnel area), to $2 million to develop and build a two-megawatt solar farm on Haida Gwaii's northern grid that will include battery storage.

The $29-million, three-year CEDR program aims to reduce remote communities’ reliance on diesel fuel, and to support projects focused on energy efficiency and/or those that provide clean, reliable energy year round in areas not serviced by grid electricity. CEDR is part of the Province’s Remote Community Energy Strategy.

British Columbia has 44 remote communities, most of which are governed by First Nations. Many of these communities are served by BC Hydro in non-grid integrated areas. Some First Nations own and operate their own diesel generators. In 2019, the remote communities consumed at least 19.1 million litres of diesel, emitting the equivalent of 51,784 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

The CEDR program provides funding for clean-energy initiatives to eligible remote communities that are off-grid residential regions that rely on diesel fuel for electricity generation. Remote communities can apply to three funding streams to support them as they progress through various stages of their planning and implementation of their decarbonization projects. This will help to ensure remote communities have financial supports throughout the life cycle of their energy projects, whether it be at the beginning, early, mid or late stages of planning, or implementation of their decarbonization projects.

To deliver the CEDR program, the Province has partnered with the New Relationship Trust to facilitate investments with remote communities for community energy planning, energy-efficiency projects, and renewable-energy infrastructure. In addition, Coast Funds is working with the trust to support applications from First Nations with communities in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii that rely on diesel to meet their electricity needs.

A second round of CEDR program funding will be announced shortly, and applicants are encouraged to connect with the New Relationship Trust and Coast Funds for more details and assistance. Coast Funds and the trust work with all eligible First Nations and remote communities to develop strong proposals that maximize access to CEDR program funding.

CleanBC is a pathway to a more prosperous, balanced and sustainable future. It supports government’s commitment to climate action to meet B.C.’s emission targets and build a cleaner, stronger economy.

Backgrounders

Facts about the Community Energy Diesel Reduction program

In 2022, with the first round of Community Energy Diesel Reduction (CEDR) program funding, $7.1 million was awarded to 12 remote communities.

• The CEDR program is now seeking applicants for a second round of funding.

The New Relationship Trust is an independent organization established by the New Relationship Trust Act (2006).

• It is dedicated to delivering grant programs to First Nations throughout B.C., and working with governments and organizations to leverage funding sources that build First Nations’ capacity toward self-determination and improved environmental, governmental, social and economic outcomes.

Coast Funds is an Indigenous-led conservation finance organization supporting First Nations’ investments in community well-being and ecological integrity in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii.

• Founded in 2007 with $118 million in contributions from foundations and Crown governments, Coast Funds has approved $107.7 million toward 434 stewardship, renewable energy and economic development projects.

2022 Community Energy Diesel Reduction projects

Dease River First Nation - $95,000
Funding to develop a Community Energy Plan, including identifying renewable energy generation opportunities and load forecast modelling.

Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation - $40,000
Funding to update Community Energy Plan, including community engagement, demand-side management analysis and identifying renewable energy-generation opportunities.         

Old Massett Village Council - $40,000
Funding to update Community Energy Plan, including community engagement and demand-side management analysis.

Heiltsuk Economic Development Corporation - $300,000
Funding to perform energy audits on 300 homes in Bella Bella to develop a plan for the implementation of shallow and deep building retrofits.  

Nuxalk Nation - $300,000
Funding to perform energy audits on residences to develop a plan for the implementation of shallow and deep building retrofits.          

Xeni Gwet’in First Nation - $100,000
Funding to perform energy audits on residences to plan for the implementation of shallow and deep building retrofits with a focus on heat pumps.           

Gitga'at First Nation - $2,000,000
Funding for pre-construction and construction activities for a run-of-lake 948-kilowatt hydroelectric generation facility.  This project aims to reduce 95% of diesel usage for electricity generation.          

Kitasoo Xai'xais Nation - $962,400
Funding for activities to upgrade, repair or replace infrastructure for the community’s electricity distribution grid.    

Lhoozk'uz Dene Nation - $350,000
Funding for the construction of a biomass combined heat and power system. The project is expected to displace up to 90% of the community's diesel consumption.       

Skidegate Band Council - $2,000,000
Skidegate Band Council, Old Massett Village Council and Council of the Haida Nation have partnered to form Tll Yahda Energy LP, which will develop and construct a two-megawatt Solar Farm on Haida Gwaii's northern grid and will include battery storage. The project is expected to displace almost 9% of the north grid’s diesel consumption.

Uchucklesaht Tribe Government - $224,475
Funding for the installation of 25-kilowatt of Solar photovoltaic (PV) and storage for a new wellness centre. The project is designed to offset demand on the diesel generating system as buildings and infrastructure in the remote community grow.

Ulkatcho First Nation - $765,800
Funding for pre-construction activities for a proposed 4.4-megawatt solar PV plant and energy-storage facility that is expected to displace as much as 70% of community diesel consumption.

Prescribed Burn along Highway 20 near Bull Canyon Provincial Park (west of Alexis Creek)

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

The BC Wildfire Service in partnership with the Tŝilhqot’in communities, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, BC Parks, Cariboo-Chilcotin Natural Resource District and BC Hydro plans to continue a series of prescribed burns along the Highway 20 right-of-way.

 

This is a continuation of the prescribed burns that occurred in the spring of 2022 along Highway 20. Burning may begin as early as Oct. 12, 2022 and will continue periodically until Nov. 30, 2022. The exact timing of the burn will be dependent on weather, site and venting conditions. Ignitions will proceed only if conditions are suitable and allow for quick smoke dissipation.

 

Over the next several weeks firefighters will burn in sections along the Highway 20 right-of-way from the Hanceville Lookout, westward to the western boundary of Tsiyi (Bull Canyon park).

 

Purpose of this prescribed burn:

• Remove combustible materials and mimic a naturally occurring ground fire within the right-of-way
• Protect infrastructure along a section of Highway 20
• Partner with Tŝilhqot’in fire crews to work together outside of emergency response activities and strengthen inter-agency coordination
• Monitor impact of fire on invasive species along the Highway 20 corridor

While burn operations are underway, traffic control will be on-site to ensure the safety of the public and firefighters.

 

BC Wildfire Service staff and Tŝilhqot’in fire crews will carefully prepare, control, and monitor the fires at all times. Smoke and flames from this prescribed burn may be visible from Yuneŝit’in, Tl’etinqox, Alexis Creek, Highway 20, and surrounding areas.

 

Learn More

Prescribed burning is an effective tool which decreases the amount of fuel (i.e. cured grass and

woody debris) available for wildfire consumption. A factsheet about prescribed burns and ecosystem restoration burns is available online: https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/prescribed-burns-reduce-wildfire-risks.

 

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.

 

 You can follow the latest wildfire news:

• on the free BC Wildfire Service public mobile app, available for Apple (iOS) and Android devices
• on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
• on Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Projects underway in Cariboo-Chilcotin will reduce wildfire risk, enhance forest health

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Work is underway to enhance forest resilience to protect against the impacts of wildfire and climate change in the Cariboo Region. 

Through a provincial investment of $25 million, the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) has funded 22 new community projects, including four in the Cariboo Region. This includes work to reduce wildfire risk, while enhancing wildlife habitat, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from slash pile burning, and support forest recreation and ecological resiliency.

“The Forest Enhancement Society of BC is a proven partner in delivering projects on the ground that protect people from wildfire risks and reduce emissions from slash pile burning,” said the Hon. Katrine Conroy, BC's Minister of Forests. “Along with the historic investments in Budget 2022 to transform the BC Wildfire Service into a year-round service and double funding for proactive wildfire prevention, these new projects funded by FESBC will help build communities that are safer and more resilient to climate change.”

Wildfire-mitigation projects funded in the Cariboo Region include:

• Clinton District Community Forest of BC Ltd., $450,870 – Treatment of 300-metre-wide fuel break adjacent to the transmission line west of Clinton. Low-grade fibre will also be recovered.
• Elhdaqox Developments Ltd., $500,000 – Wildfire risk reduction planning and treatments to reduce the wildfire risk to the Yunesit’in Community and rehabilitate burned and beetle-affected stands that will create local employment opportunities.
• Eniyud Community Forest Ltd., $1,500,000 – Fuel management treatments to reduce the wildfire risk from forests affected by mountain pine beetle near Horn Lake and along Tatlayoko Lake, which is a vital main access/egress route for the local residences.
• The City of Quesnel, $529,000 – Prescriptions and treatments will be conducted on specific sites identified for wildfire risk reduction in the Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Treatments will include thinning, pruning and debris cleanup while promoting fibre removal and utilization

“FESBC is thrilled that communities in the Cariboo will be able to continue this important work to reduce their wildfire risk to better protect their residents and important infrastructure,” said Steve Kozuki, executive director, FESBC. “These newly funded projects take a proactive approach to reduce the risks of wildfire and many will also improve wildlife habitat, increase the health of forests so they are more resilient to climate change and use the left-over wood waste to make green energy. Achieving multiple objectives is good forest management and good value for money.”

Work has already begun and all projects are expected to be complete by March 2024. To date, approved funding from the FESBC 2022-23 Funding Program totals $14 million. Additional applications through the FESBC portal are welcome and will be accepted until the $25-million fund has been allocated.

Since 2016, FESBC has supported more than 260 projects throughout B.C. Sixty-three of these projects have been led by First Nations and another 23 have significant First Nations’ involvement. FESBC projects have reduced wildfire risk in 120 communities and have created more than 2,100 full-time jobs.

“The City of Quesnel is extremely grateful to the Forest Enhancement Society of BC for its sustained support of our wildfire risk reduction efforts in Quesnel and surrounding area,” said Erin Robinson, forestry initiatives manager, City of Quesnel. “This funding will allow us to continue our work of improving the health of forest stands that are a threat to our community, by reducing the risk to the people and their properties and keeping infrastructure safer during wildfire events. Access to FESBC funds is critical for us to continue our grassroots wildfire risk reduction projects and we look forward to working with FESBC for many years to come.”

As part of the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030, the Province will work toward near elimination of slash pile burning by 2030 and will divert materials away from slash piles and into bioproduct development. This will reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, while creating new opportunities in British Columbia’s expanding forest bioeconomy.

The $25 million provided to FESBC is a component of $359 million announced in Budget 2022 to protect British Columbians from wildfires, including $145 million to strengthen the BC Wildfire Service and Emergency Management BC.

“Through provincial investments, the Forest Enhancement Society of BC has funded critical projects to help reduce wildfire risk and greenhouse gas emissions,” said Doug Routley, Parliamentary Secretary for Forests. “Diverting materials away from slash piles not only reduces fire risk but creates new opportunities in our province’s forest economy. These projects accomplish multiple objectives to help communities be more resilient to climate change.”

FESBC is a Crown agency established in 2016 to advance the environmental and resource stewardship of the province’s forests by preventing wildfires and mitigating wildfire impacts, improving damaged or low-value forests, improving wildlife habitat, supporting the use of fibre from damaged or low-value forests, and treating forests to improve the management of greenhouse gases.

Learn More:

Forest Enhancement Society of BC: https://www.fesbc.ca/

To view funded projects, visit:
https://www.fesbc.ca/minister-of-forests-announces-new-projects-funded-by-fesbc/

Prescribed burn to reduce wildfire risk along Highway 20

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

The BC Wildfire Service in partnership with the Tŝilhqot’in communities, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, BC Parks, Cariboo-Chilcotin Natural Resource District and BC Hydro plans to conduct a series of prescribed burns along the Highway 20 right-of-way.  

Burning may begin as early as March 22, 2022, and will continue periodically until April 30, 2022.  The exact timing of the burn will be dependent on weather, site and venting conditions. Ignitions will proceed only if conditions are suitable and allow for quick smoke dissipation..

Over the next several weeks firefighters will burn in sections along the Highway 20 right-of-way from the Hanceville Lookout, westward to the western boundary of Tsiyi (Bull Canyon Park).

 Purpose of this prescribed burn:

*Remove combustible materials and mimic a naturally occurring ground fire within the right-of-way

*Protect infrastructure along a section of Highway 20

*Partner with Tŝilhqot’in fire crews to work together outside of emergency response activities and strengthen inter-agency coordination

While burn operations are underway, traffic control will be on-site to ensure the safety of the public and firefighters.

BC Wildfire Service staff and Tŝilhqot’in fire crews will carefully prepare, control, and monitor the fires at all times. Smoke and flames from this prescribed burn will be highly visible from Yuneŝit’in, Tl’etinqox, Alexis Creek, Highway 20, and surrounding areas.

Learn More

Prescribed burning is an effective tool which decreases the amount of fuel (i.e. cured grass and

woody debris) available for wildfire consumption. A factsheet about prescribed burns and ecosystem restoration burns is available online: https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/prescribed-burns-reduce-wildfire-risks.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.

You can follow the latest wildfire news:

*on the free BC Wildfire Service public mobile app, available for Apple (iOS) and Android devices

*on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo

*on Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

 

Big Stick Area - Evac ORDER EXPANSION (Cariboo RD - Area "J")

Courtesy of the Cariboo RD's Emergency Operations Centre:

Pursuant to the BC Emergency Program Act, an Evacuation Order has been issued by the Cariboo Regional District.

This order is replacing the Big Stick Area Order issued on July 10, 2021 at 7:15 pm.

Due to immediate danger to life safety due to fire, members of the RCMP or other groups will be expediting this action.

The Evacuation route is:

Highway 20 to Williams Lake

Big Stick Area Order Expansion

Evacuation Alert and Map
Interactive Map

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

• You must leave the area immediately
• Register at the ESS Centre at Women's Contact Society at 51A Fourth Ave S, Williams Lake
• Close all windows and doors
• Do not shut off your natural gas if you receive an evacuation order. For more information visit www.fortisbc.com
• Close gates (latch) but do not lock
• Gather your family: take a neighbour or someone who needs help
• Take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, and keys) only if they are immediately available. Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.
• Do not use more vehicles than you have to.
• Do not use the telephone unless you need emergency service.

YOU MUST LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY

800 new housing units needed in Central Cariboo and Chilcotin by 2028

Joint Release - City of Williams Lake/Cariboo Regional District:

800 new units of housing needed within the decade. That’s the challenging finding of a housing needs study of the Central Cariboo and Chilcotin commissioned by the City of Williams Lake and Cariboo Regional District. Encompassing a broad area stretching from Anahim Lake (Ulkatcho) in the west to Likely/Horsefly in the east, 150 Mile House in the south and McLeese Lake in the north, the project focused on housing needs in Williams Lake, with an impact analysis of the population flow between Williams Lake and surrounding communities.

The Province of BC has legislated that local governments must complete housing needs reports by 2022 and every 5 years thereafter. To meet this requirement, the City of Williams Lake partnered with the Cariboo Regional District to conduct a Central Cariboo Study, encompassing electoral areas D, E, F, and K, , as well as the Williams Lake area. The project commenced in September 2020, with CitySpaces Consulting Ltd. as the successful candidate to the RFP process. The findings of the study will go to Williams Lake City Council on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 for endorsement, and then to the CRD Regional Board on June 18, 2021 for the District’s review. The results will also be available online.

 

The study found that the Central Cariboo’s housing composition has met the needs of households in Williams Lake and surrounding communities for many years. In the past, the housing market was relatively stable, with ebbs and flows related to resource market commodity fluctuations. However, a central finding from this Housing Capacity and Gap Analysis was the sudden, swift change in market conditions in recent years and the impact it is having on various households in the region. These growth pressures are yet another challenge in an already complex socio-economic situation in the region; particularly in Williams Lake, where a shortage of affordable housing exacerbates issues such as homelessness. A key observation of the Central Cariboo housing situation is the need to scale-up multiple sectors in order to have the capacity to accommodate current and future housing needs.

“Housing development is a priority for our community,” says Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb. “We know the need is there and City staff and Council have been working hard through the term of the study to start moving on new housing development in our community. The results of this study show just how immediate and dire the situation in Williams Lake and surrounding communities has become. We hope the findings will get the attention of the Province, who we need to work with us to fill these gaps. We believe it is well past time for BC Housing to make some serious investments in Williams Lake. The need for low-income housing for vulnerable populations continues to grow as our hot housing market pushes prices upwards, adds pressure and demand on existing rentals, and results in many families and individuals either under-housed or without shelter. The situation impacts the entire community, not least of all the First Nations that need in-town housing for their community members who want to attend school, training, or work in Williams Lake.”

“It is distressing to know that there are families, young adults, and seniors living in housing that is falling into disrepair and yet still remains unaffordable,” notes Margo Wagner, Chair of the Cariboo Regional District. “It is important that our region be pro-active in driving development to serve our future needs. All too often we hear stories from areas in the province of people being forced out of housing because of urban migration driving up prices. We need to ensure we address this trend and work towards developments in our rural areas that serve our future needs before we face yet another crisis situation. We’re hopeful this study will encourage action and investment toward long-term solutions.”

Beth Veenkamp, Economic Development Officer for the City of Williams Lake, is pleased that the study provided sites of opportunity for consideration. “Housing is a regional issue affecting us all,” says Veenkamp. “Having sites of opportunity highlighted in this study provides us with a starting point to consider potential developments and understand what servicing costs might be. Understanding the full scope of development yields and costs is vital. With that information in hand we can get to work finding solutions to our housing challenges.”

The full study and potential sites of opportunities report can be found on the City of Williams Lake and Cariboo Regional District websites.

Category 3 open fires prohibition expanded to Chilcotin on Monday

Courtesy of the BC Wildfire Service:

Effective noon Monday, May 31, 2021, Category 3 open fires will be partially prohibited to the west side of the high-water mark of the Fraser River within the Cariboo Chilcotin Forest District and the Tsilhoqot’in (Xeni Gwet’in) Declared Title Area.

This expanded open burning prohibition, which is being implemented in co-operation with the Tsilhoqot’in National Government, is being done to prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

Specifically, prohibited activities that would constitute a Category 3 open fire include:

*any fires larger than two meters high by three meters wide;

*three or more concurrently burning piles no larger than two meters high by three meters wide;

*burning of one or more windrows; and

*burning of stubble or grass over an area greater than 0.2 hectares.

Anyone conducting a Category 3 open fire anywhere in the west side of the high-water mark of the Fraser River within the Cariboo Chilcotin Forest District’s jurisdiction must extinguish any such fire by noon Monday, May 31, 2021. This prohibition will remain in place until Oct. 1, 2021, or until the public is otherwise notified.

Category 3 open fires have been prohibited throughout the 100 Mile Forest District since May 31, 2021 and this expansion into the Cariboo Chilcotin Forest District and Tsilhoqot’in (Xeni Gwet’in) Declared Title Area will remain in place until Oct. 1, 2021, or until the public is otherwise notified.

This prohibition does not ban campfires that are half-metre high by a high-metre wide or smaller, and does not apply to cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes.

This prohibition also does not ban Category 2 fires, which include one or two concurrently burning piles up to two metres high by three metres wide, or the burning of stubble or grass over an area less than 0.2 hectares.

A poster explaining the different categories of open burning is available online:

http://ow.ly/znny309kJv5

 The Category 3 open fire prohibition applies to all BC Parks, Crown lands and private lands, but does not apply within the boundaries of a local government that has forest fire prevention bylaws in place and is serviced by a fire department. Check with local government authorities for any other restrictions before lighting any fire.

The Cariboo Chilcotin Forest District prohibition area stretches from Tweedsmuir Provincial Park to the Fraser River running from just above McLeese Lake to just north of Lac La Hache. The 100 Mile Forest District stretches from the Fraser River in the west to Bridge Lake in the east. This area starts just below Clinton and runs north to just above Lac La Hache and Hendrix Lake. A map of the area affected by this Category 3 open burning prohibition is available online: http://ow.ly/KPaa30rJekc

Human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and divert critical resources away from lightning-caused fires. Always practice safe, responsible fire use where permitted.

*To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.

*Check with your local government or other jurisdictional authorities before lighting a fire of any size since they may have their own restrictions in place.

*Anyone found in contravention of an open-burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, may be required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000 or, if convicted in court, may be fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

Learn More:

People can follow the latest wildfire news:

*on the free BC Wildfire Service public mobile app, available for Apple (iOS) and Android devices

*on Twitter: twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo

*on Facebook: facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo