For Immediate Release
October 8, 2024

Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures Completes Phase 1 of Wildfire Risk Reduction Forestry Project
Recreational Area Reopened for Community Use

Mount Currie, B.C. – Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures Ltd. (LFV), the forestry division of the Líl̓wat Nation, is pleased to announce the successful completion of Phase 1 of its forest fuel management project. This proactive initiative commenced on May 1, 2024, targeting a significant reduction in wildfire risk by strategically thinning approximately 70 hectares of forest above the X-Stream Road, near houses, a school, and other community assets.

“With all the wildfire activity occurring in the province, I feel very fortunate that we have the opportunity to do some preventative work toward devastating forest fires. Most, if not all, communities negatively affected by forest fire, in hindsight, wish they did some kind of preventative fuel thinning work around their communities. Another value that stems from clearing the underbrush is the increased visual awareness of larger predators coming around the community, again increasing safety. Other work occurring in this project is the slide hazard awareness and the log berms put in place for potential rockfall,” said Kúkwpi7 Skalúlmecw Political Chief Dean Nelson. “I am very proud to be supporting the work of cultural burns and fuel thinning that our forestry company are doing in the name of safety for our community within the Líl̓wat Nation territory.”

By removing around 14,000 cubic meters of timber, equating to roughly half the trees in the project area, the project has not only maintained the forest’s natural aesthetic but also significantly diminished potential fire hazards by thinning out the forest.

Kúkwpi7 Gélpcal (Cultural Chief), Ashley Joseph said, “The work being done by Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures stems from a very balanced set of values, just as Líl̓wat has a balance between its Political and cultural structure. Not every harvest has to be about revenue and merchantable timber. This forest management has safety in mind through the fire guard and safety fence while being considerate of all precious cultural values.”

Moreover, the strategic work has preserved the overall feel of the forest, ensuring the continued enjoyment of ATV riders, hikers, and biking enthusiasts, with the area now reopened to the public for such recreational activities.

Klay Tindall, General Manager of LFV, noted, “The initial phase of our project has significantly reduced the fire hazard, better protecting our community while maintaining the land’s recreational and aesthetic value. We are committed to continuing our efforts in the fall, continuously enhancing safety in our forested areas.”

The initiative has brought substantial benefits beyond wildfire risk reduction, too. Approximately 45 truckloads of firewood, equating to 2,000 cubic meters, will be distributed among Nation Elders, seniors, and those with physical disabilities within the community, providing a vital resource for the coming winter.

“Thinning allows additional light to enter the forest allowing berries, traditional medicines, and teas to all return. Traditional harvests are made possible for more than food when this type of work occurs. There is also cedar bark harvesting, smudge collection, and wood being selected for village carvings and keeping our homes warm,” said Joseph.

Moreover, the thinning process has enhanced habitat for local wildlife, with early signs showing the return of bears and deer. Additionally, the Soopolallie berry, also known as xúsum, absent for many years, is reemerging, demonstrating the ecological recovery of the area.

“I think it’s important that we undertake projects like these around the communities to make them safer. You look at all the fires that have been happening all throughout B.C. and Canada, and you see the loss that comes with fires – homes, habitats, and forests,” shared Jordon Gabriel, Manager of Community and Culture with LFV. “If we manage our forests for everything, not just for timber—but other values such as for the protection of the communities, for the wildlife and habitats, and for any type of cultural resources that you could benefit from—that’s the only way to be better prepared for future generations.”

A final fire risk assessment will determine any further fire prevention measures needed before the commencement of Phase 2 in late fall 2024, which will address an additional 130 hectares.

About Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures

Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures Ltd. is a leading forestry management corporation within the Líl̓wat Nation, managing an Annual Allowable Cut (AAC) of 100,000 cubic meters of timber. This accounts for approximately two-thirds of the AAC across the entire Líl̓wat Traditional Territory. The corporation is strategically divided into two primary operations: contracting and harvesting. Their extensive portfolio includes tree planting, spacing, brushing, slashing, and falling, alongside road rehabilitation and construction. Additionally, Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures handles BC Hydro transmission slashing contracts, firefighting, fuels management, and other specialized tree service work. For more information, visit: https://lilwatbusiness.ca/our-divisions/forestry-ventures/

For additional information on the project or on Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures, contact:

Aleece Laird, Communications Liaison, aleece@amplifyinc.ca | 250.574.0221

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