Help Shape Forest Management for Kootenay Lake Region
Official title: Kootenay Lake Forest Landscape Plan
BC is developing a new forest management plan for 1.2 million hectares around Kootenay Lake in the southeast. The Province and First Nations are partnering on this plan. Right now, they want to know who's interested in being involved as the planning process moves forward.
Why This Matters
Live near Kootenay Lake? Hike, hunt, or work in these forests? This plan will shape how 1.2 million hectares are managed for decades. It affects logging, wildlife habitat, recreation, and wildfire risk. Early input helps set the direction before decisions are locked in.
What Could Change
The Forest Landscape Plan will set rules for logging, conservation, and land use across the Kootenay Lake Timber Supply Area. It could change where and how much timber is harvested, which areas are protected, and how Indigenous stewardship is integrated. The current allowable cut is 550,000 cubic metres per year—that could shift.
Key Issues
- What forest values matter most to local residents?
- How should Indigenous leadership be integrated into forest planning?
- Who wants to be involved in the ongoing feedback process?
How to Participate
- Visit the project page to learn about the planning process and take the survey.
- Review background on the Kootenay Lake Timber Supply Area to understand current forest management.