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
