August 2025 General Board Meeting Update

Woodlands, Safety, Silviculture & Wildfire Risk Reduction

Mission Statement

The Kaslo and District Community Forest Society (KDCFS) will manage the diversity of values of the Community Forest in an ecologically responsible and fiscally accountable manner on behalf of the people of Kaslo and Area D.

A. Woodlands

Lost Ledge Road Upgrades
Sunshine Logging continues upgrading the Lost Ledge road from Lost Ledge Creek down to the bench. Clay soils in several sections have created challenges in wet conditions, but once the road dries, it will firm up. Because of the soil type and steep grades, hauling will likely be restricted to the dry summer months or winter. Work is scheduled for completion this month.

After this project, KDCFS will assist the Powder Bound Ski Club with repairing several log bridges.

CP 47-1 – Branch 7
Timber Ridge is moving equipment up Branch 7 this week, with harvesting scheduled to begin September 8. Active hauling will start the week of September 15 and continue for approximately five weeks. Please use caution when traveling this road Monday through Friday. Logging and hauling signs will be posted. Recreation clubs have been notified, as many trails are accessed from this road system.

New Forest Operations Map (FOM)
The public comment period for CP 56 has now closed. One submission was received, focused on caribou habitat protection rather than the block itself.

Firewood Donations
Three loads of firewood will be produced this fall and donated to local organizations for fundraising. Announcements will be posted in the Valley Voice, on the KDCFS website, and through our social media platforms.

Road Maintenance – 7-Mile Road
Work by KORTS, completed by contractor Steve Doucet, has brushed and repaired waterbars on the upper 7-Mile Road. KDCFS contributed to the maintenance costs as part of our annual road program. The road had long been neglected but is now passable by pickup truck.

2025 Community Forest Indicators Report

The 2025 Community Forest Indicators Report will be released later this month. This report includes a look into KDCFS’s impact on wildfire risk reduction, indigenous partnerships, local jobs & value-added activity, and stewardship of water, wildlife & recreation. Keep an eye out on our website and social media platforms for more information soon.

B. Safety

No safety incidents have been reported from road work or timber development.

C. Silviculture

Craig is conducting silviculture surveys across the license area, including regeneration, free-to-grow assessments, and walkthroughs to plan future treatments.

RESULTS reporting and waste survey planning for 2024 and 2025 harvesting are underway.

D. Wildfire Risk Reduction

Cathro Consulting has completed the Fuel Management Prescription for CP 47.

KDCFS has applied for a cutting permit for CP 55 (Lardeau) so operations can begin this fall.

Forest Operations Map for True Blue Area (CP 56)

The public is invited to review and comment on the Kaslo & District Community Forest Society (KDCFS) Forest Operations Map. The Map shows proposed cut block and road development. The three year validity period upon which this FOM may be relied upon to apply for a cutting permit or road permit commences August 31, 2025.

How To Review

The public viewing and comment period is from July 31, 2025 – August 31, 2025. This is the period in which comments on the FOM will be received.

  • The Map is available for public review and comment online here.
  • Comments can also be emailed to manager@kaslocommunityforest.org, or mailed to Box 789, Kaslo, BC V0G 1M0.
  • The Map is also available for in-person review and comment by appointment only, at the KDCFS Managers office, 198 Isaacs Road, Kaslo, BC, Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Phone 250-354-9803 for an appointment.

CP-56 Block Map

Visual Information Assessments

CP-56 Airport VIA
CP-56 Upper Kaslo VIA

July 2025 General Board Meeting Updates

Woodlands, Safety, Silviculture & Wildfire Risk Reduction

Mission Statement

The Kaslo and District Community Forest Society (KDCFS) will manage the diversity of values of the Community Forest in an ecologically responsible and fiscally accountable manner on behalf of the people of Kaslo and Area D.

A. Woodlands

Lost Ledge Road Upgrades
Sunshine Logging is upgrading the Lost Ledge road from Lost Ledge Creek down to the bench. Some sections contain clay soils, which can create mucky surfaces when wet. Improvements include a larger ditch and culverts to help with drainage. Overlanding (adding more suitable road-building material on top) may still be required to improve road durability.

Timber Development – Lost Ledge
Two blocks have been developed so far, with at least two more planned. The stands are a mix of hemlock and larch, with some cedar, spruce, and Douglas fir. While most of the harvesting will be conventional, some cable areas will be included.

  • Estimated total volume: 23,000 m³
  • Old Growth: Remaining old growth from past fires will be protected either by exclusion from the blocks or inclusion in Wildlife Tree Retention Areas (WTRAs).

New Forest Operations Map (FOM)
The Forest Operations Map for CP 56 (True Blue area) is now available online for public comment from July 31 – August 31 and will be promoted on the KDCFS website, Instagram and Facebook pages. The Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) shows the block will be visible only from the corner of A Avenue and Washington Street in Kaslo, as well as from the dump road. Although modelled as a clearcut, it will retain a mix of single tree and group retention. You can view the map here.

VIA Preview

Lardeau Project – Fuel Management
A FESBC grant will fund:

  • 14 ha manual thinning
  • 6 ha mechanical treatment (feller buncher)

The project area stretches from near Lost Ledge campground north to Davis Creek, following the highway and BC Hydro power line. The goal is to reduce fuel loads and improve access along the old mining road in case of wildfire ignition from the highway or a powerline hazard. Timber harvesting is planned for fall 2025, with manual WRR work extending into the winter.

CP 47-1 – Branch 7
FESBC-funded thinning and post-harvest cleanup are scheduled to begin within a month. The work, led by Timber Ridge, will take approximately six weeks.

  • Overdense hemlock understory will be removed
  • Merchantable fiber will be sent to the pulp mill (incremental haul grant accessed)
  • Sawlogs sold to local mills
  • Stand conversion to Douglas fir and larch for improved fire resistance and climate adaptation

Road Maintenance – 7-Mile Road
KORTS, with contractor Steve Doucet, is brushing and repairing waterbars. KDCFS is contributing to maintenance costs. The upper 7-Mile road is now passable by pickup truck after significant brushing.

B. Safety

No safety incidents reported from road work or timber development activities.

C. Silviculture

Craig Barschel is conducting silviculture surveys across the license area, including regeneration, free-to-grow assessments, and block walkthroughs to plan future treatments.
RESULTS reporting and waste survey planning for 2024 and 2025 harvesting are underway.

D. Wildfire Risk Reduction

Cathro Consulting is developing the Fuel Management Prescription for CP 47-1, expected to be completed in August. Work will commence immediately afterward.
Progress continues toward approval of CP 55 (Lardeau) so operations can begin in fall 2025.

May 2025 General Board Meeting Updates

Date: May 29, 2025
Time: 7:02 PM
Location: Kaslo, BC

Mission Statement

The Kaslo and District Community Forest Society (KDCFS) will manage the diversity of values of the Community Forest in an ecologically responsible and fiscally accountable manner on behalf of the people of Kaslo and Area D.

Attendance

Board Members Present:

  • Chris Webster (Chair)
  • Stephen Fawcett (Secretary)
  • Jeff Mattes (Treasurer)
  • Greg Lay
  • Doug Drain
  • Stephen Neville (Vice Chair)
  • Jeff Reyden (Management Team)

Board Members Absent:

  • Matthew Brown (Director)
  • Sarah Sinclair (Director)

Meeting Called to Order: 7:02 PM by Chair Chris Webster

A. Preliminaries

Adoption of Agenda
Moved and Seconded
Resolved: That the agenda for the May 29, 2025, Regular Meeting be adopted as circulated.
Status: Carried

Receipt of April 2025 Meeting Minutes
The Board acknowledged the minutes from the April 24, 2025, Regular Meeting.
Status: Carried

Treasurer’s Report

Presented by: Jeff Mattes

Funding Updates:

  • Successful Applications:
    1. CP 47-1 – $89,000
      • 20 ha block at the end of Branch 7 road extension
      • Fuel Management Prescription, thinning of non-merchantable hemlock, post-harvest clean-up and pile burning
    2. Lardeau – $186,000
      • FMP developed in 2023
      • 6 ha mechanical + 10 ha manual fuel treatment
    3. Kaslo North – $14,000
      • Unallocated Crown land north of No Brakes
      • Funding for treatment layout and FMP
    4. KAS6 – $40,000
      • Continuation of manual treatment along the Fire Access Trail

B. Manager’s Report

Presented by: Jeff Reyden

Key Updates:

  • Timber Development:
    Ongoing in the True-Blue area (from Kemp Creek to Bjerkness Creek)
    • Anticipated harvest: Fall 2025 (CP 47-1 up Branch 7)
    • Due to trail proximity and permitting, True-Blue blocks expected for late fall or early winter
  • Safety:
    • No incidents reported from WRR, planting, or timber development
  • Forest Stewardship Plan (FSP):
    • Referral period ended; two public comments received
    • Now under First Nations review
  • Community Support:
    • Donated reclamation grass seed to KORTS for Old Pump House restoration

C. Board Discussion Items

  1. Introduction of Jenna – New Administrative Assistant
    • Jenna will take on all administrative tasks and attend Board meetings online
  2. Boards by George Proposal
    • Ideas presented by Jeff Mattes
    • Deferred for discussion at next meeting
  3. Kaslo Wildfire Crew
    • Local crew has started training using KDCFS-purchased equipment
  4. JVH Scholarships
    • Discussion on expanding eligibility beyond forestry/trades
    • Increase in award amount from $500 to $1000 Motions:
    • Moved and Seconded: Support JVH applicant for $1,000
      Status: Carried
    • Moved and Seconded: Support additional JVH applicant (Tomaken)
      Status: Carried

April 2025 General Board Meeting Updates

Date: April 24, 2025
Time Called to Order: 8:18 PM
Location: In Person

Attendance

Present:

  • Chris Webster (Chair)
  • Stephen Fawcett (Secretary)
  • Stephen Neville (Vice Chair)
  • Doug Drain (Director)
  • Jeff Mattes (Director)
  • Sarah Sinclair (Director)
  • Jeff Reyden (Management)
  • Jessie Lay (Admin)

Absent with Notice:

  • Matt Brown (Director)

Absent without Notice:

  • [Not specified]

Adoption of Agenda

Motion: That the Board of Directors adopt the Kaslo & District Community Forest Regular Meeting Agenda for April 24, 2025.
Status: Carried

A. Treasurer’s Report

Covered in the 2025 AGM earlier in the evening.

B. Manager’s Report

Also covered in the 2025 AGM.

C. Board Discussion Items

  1. Boards by George
  • The Board expressed that KDCFS is not in a position to take ownership due to a lack of expertise and concern over liability.
  • Support could instead come in the form of a subsidized log to the mill, promoting local employment.
  • Action: Jeff Mattes to draft a refined proposal for discussion at the next meeting.
  1. Langham Sponsorship Request
  • Langham requested sponsorship from KDCFS.
  • Board Decision:
    • In Favour: 0
    • Opposed: All
  • Action: Stephen Neville to communicate the decision to Langham.

D. Governance

  1. Election of Officers
    All positions filled by acclamation:
  • Chair: Chris Webster
  • Vice Chair: Stephen Neville
  • Secretary: Stephen Fawcett
    Status: All in favour. Carried.

E. Community Comments

No comments were recorded.

F. In-Camera

Motion to move in-camera: [NAME not specified]
Status: Carried

Next Meeting

Date: May 29, 2025

KDCFS 2025 Annual General Meeting Recap

Date: April 24th, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: JV Humphries School, 500 6th Street, Kaslo, BC

Attendance

Total Membership: 39
Voting Members Present: 3

KDCFS Attendees:

  • Chris Webster (Chair)
  • Stephen Fawcett (Secretary)
  • Stephen Neville (Vice Chair)
  • Doug Drain (Director)
  • Jeff Mattes (Director)
  • Sarah Sinclair (Director)
  • Jeff Reyden (Management)
  • Jessie Lay (Admin)

Absent with Notice:

  • Matt Brown (Director)

Meeting called to order: 7:01 PM (in person)

Election of Officers

There were three nominations for four open director positions. All nominations were submitted by incumbent Directors whose terms were ending, and therefore no election was required. The following were elected by acclamation:

  • Chris Webster
  • Doug Drain
  • Jeff Mattes

A. Adoption of the 2025 AGM Agenda

Moved to adopt: Stephen Neville
In Favour: All
Opposed: None
Status: Carried

B. Adoption of the 2024 AGM Minutes

Topics from last year’s AGM were reviewed and accepted as presented.
Moved to adopt: Steve Fawcett
In Favour: All
Opposed: None
Status: Carried

C. Chair’s Report & Questions

Presented by Chair, Chris Webster

Key Updates:

  • 2nd year of salvage logging at Keen Creek (post-2022 Briggs Creek wildfire) completed in March. Silviculture work continues.
  • Jeff Reyden has been manager since 2017 and is doing exceptional work on silviculture.
  • Wildfire Risk Reduction (WRR) remains a top priority. Community training in S100/S185 completed and three fire pumps purchased.
  • Greg Lay stepped down from the Board after decades of service.
  • Jessie Lay will be stepping down from her admin/communications role.

D. Financial Report & Questions

Presented by Treasurer, Jeff Mattes

Highlights:

  • Logging revenues were significantly down, but forecasted accurately in the budget. Funds used strategically to support future operations.
  • Salvage logging presented challenges due to timing and market conditions.
  • Despite losses the past two years, finances are stabilizing and operations are expected to return to positive this year.
  • Silviculture is progressing and nearing alignment.

Question: Concern over black army cutworm (post-wildfire pest).
Answer: Important to monitor in the field.

Moved to adopt: Stephen Neville
In Favour: All
Opposed: None
Status: Carried

E. Management Report & Questions

Presented by Management

Salvage Logging:

  • Keen Creek harvesting focused mainly on pulp due to market conditions. Used FESBC/OIB fibre utilization grants for viability.
  • Logged ~100 ha of burnt timber (4% of the total burn area) over 2.5 years.
  • Nashton Face targeted due to challenging terrain in Keen Creek.

Roads:

  • Upgrades to Cooper Face Road and Fishhook Lake access completed.
  • Lost Ledge Bridge installed using cedar logs from the license.
  • Redecked a bridge up Klawala for safer public use.

Silviculture:

  • 210,000 trees planted—potentially the busiest planting year ever.
  • Reimbursement expected for replanting Briggs Creek burn areas.
  • Reduced brushing for cost efficiency and improved biodiversity.

Wildfire Risk Reduction (WRR):

  • Completed Jimi Crack Corn project.
  • Buchanan access trail and treatment areas completed (8 ha), with 4 more ha planned.
  • WRR planning for Kaslo North and Branch 7 areas underway.
  • Funding secured for mechanical/manual treatments above Lardeau.

Recreation:

  • Supported KMBC for the Friendly Giant bike trail grand opening.

Safety:

  • No incidents reported last year.

Forest Stewardship Plan:

  • Draft approved and out for referral.

Questions & Answers:

  • Q: How old is the management plan?
    A: Internal timber supply review underway. Considering a refresh of the management plan to meet legal and community obligations.
  • Q: Provincial CFA program expansion – how will this affect KDCFS?
    A: Still unclear; $1M from BCWS to support WRR work is promising.
  • Q: Can bathroom facilities be added at trailheads?
    A: Would support trail groups, but KDCFS is unlikely to be the lead agency.

Moved to adopt: Jeff Mattes
In Favour: All
Opposed: None
Status: Carried