File: E2-1 FPAG Fraser Public Advisory Group (FPAG) Meeting #27 Minutes 1. Call to Order Chris Harvey from the Teal Jones Environment Department, welcomed members of the Fraser Public Advisory Group at the Pantry Restaurant in Chilliwack on the 17th of May at 5:30 pm. 2. Members Present: - Heather Morlacci, Hatzic Valley Sharie Conroy, Hatzic Durieu, McConnell Ck Ratepayers Assoc. - Astrid Dimond, Hatzic Valley Watershed Committee (alternate) Al Stobbart, Inch Ck Hatchery, FVRD Support: - Kevin Stanczyk, Teal Jones Group - Chris Harvey, Environmental Department - Martin Edwards, Shxw’ow’hamel First Nation Lloyd Forman, FVRD Steve Dillen, 4 Wheel Drive Assoc. Mary Sandy, Esh-kn-Am Chief Clem Seymour, Seabird Island Indian Band Gordon Sherwood, Cacuse Pt Resident Jean Warkentin, Norrish Creek Resident Keith Warrener, Teal Cedar Sawmill Regrets: - Frank Andrews, Stό:lō Tribal Council Chief Andy Alex, Union Bar First Nation Mike Peters, Ministry of Natural Resource Operations John Bowles, Harken Towing Randall Dayton, Ministry of Natural Resource Operations Bruce Edwards, Hatzic Valley Chief Don Harris, Douglas First Nation Shawn Gabriel, In-SHUCK-ch Nation Chief Douglas Sidney, Cheam Indian Band Fraser PAG Meeting 27 Minutes (May 17, 2011) - Page 1 of 12 File: E2-1 FPAG 3. Documents Documents distributed to members: 1. 2. 3. 4. FPAG Meeting #27 Agenda Handouts for the presentation (including draft indicators) Summary of SFMP 2010 annual report Draft Meeting Minutes for March 8, 2011 Documents available: 1. SFM Plan June 2011 2. CSA Sustainable Forest Management Standards Z809-02 and Z809-08 3. Terms of Reference 4. Call to Order, Introductions, Health and Safety & Current Events Chris called the meeting to order at 5:30. She noted there were other members who had given confirmation for attendance who hadn’t arrived yet, Sharie noted there were delays on the highway. Chris noted that the indicators planned for discussion tonight were all old indicators that were amalgamated with SIPAG indicators or made into core indicators without any significant changes to the wording; there were no new topics, therefore she felt it was appropriate to continue the meeting despite the low attendance. Members present agreed. Chris asked if there were any current events within the member’s respective organizations that they wished to share. There were no events noted. There were no additions to the agenda. 5. Previous Meeting Minutes, November 9, 2010 Chris referred to the draft meetings minutes for the March 8th, 2010 meeting. It was noted that the meeting minutes were previously distributed via email, therefore the review during meeting time would be kept brief. This version was updated with comments received from Sharie. Chris reviewed the status of the action items in the minutes: Action Item #26-1: Include old-growth management on anticipated field tour in 2011 (November 2011). Still planning that for the fall. Action Item #26-2: Post the meeting minutes on the internet April 30th,m 2011 (completed) No other comments were received from email. The meeting minutes are considered approved. Action Item #27-1: Post the meeting minutes on the internet. Environment Department, August 30th, 2011 Fraser PAG Meeting 27 Minutes (May 17, 2011) Page 2 of 12 File: E2-1 FPAG Heather asked how you determined the age of a stand to determine if it is old growth or not? Kevin noted old growth is 250 years + and they can use increment borers on site; generally on the coast if a stand hasn’t been harvested before it is considered old growth. Heather noted that some of the second growth is getting to that age. Kevin noted it was possible but generally the age of second growth in the Fraser TSA is 50-80 years. Chris noted old growth is on the agenda for the field trip and perhaps we can look at the definition of old growth at that time. Heather noted she had other preferences for the field trip and members agreed to discuss that later in the meeting. 6. Discussion of Core Indicators Chris pointed out there are only two core indicators that are not yet approved. These indicators were discussed at the last meeting, however we ran out of time before they were approved. C6.1.2: Evidence of Best Efforts to Obtain Acceptance of Management Plans Based on Aboriginal Communities having a Clear Understanding of the Plans Value Aboriginal values Objective Indicator Target Acceptable Variance Provide opportunities for input into planning Evidence of best efforts to obtain acceptance of management plans based on Aboriginal communities having a clear understanding of the plans 100% of landscape level plans are accessible for review by local First Nations, 100% site level information is provided as mutually agreed upon information sharing Zero Chris explained the referral process, which has been long established and followed by Teal: First Nations are given the opportunity to review all Landscape Level Plans (e.g., Forest Stewardship Plans, TFL Management Plans, Sustainable Forest Management Plans, etc.) when they are new or when there are significant amendments. Opportunities are also provided for First Nations to review Operational Plans whenever there is a proposed development (e.g., roads or blocks) within the asserted traditional territory. Information sharing protocols differ for each First Nation, however, the general approach is consistent with the following: draft plans (where relevant including maps and descriptions) are mailed or hand delivered to those First Nations’ whose traditional territory have proposed developments or those First Nations who may be impacted by the plan, along with a letter inviting comment and requesting a meeting to review the plan together. Depending on the follow up requested, an Archaeological Impact Assessment may be completed, more meetings may be scheduled or correspondence exchanged until all concerns are addressed. Kevin confirmed that is generally the process, some First Nations require slight differences for instance digital maps, etc. but most referrals follow this process. Chris noted that from the annual report it looked like Teal is getting feedback from at least one band per referral. Kevin Fraser PAG Meeting 27 Minutes (May 17, 2011) Page 3 of 12 File: E2-1 FPAG agreed. Al noted that this process is fairly standard – it is also followed by the Regional District. This indicator was originally developed by SIPAG and has been re-approved by them with the re-wording to fit the core indicator. Sharie noted she felt uncomfortable voting on this indicator as there are no First Nations representatives present at this meeting, other members agreed. Chris agreed that is fair. Chris reiterated the discussion from the last meeting; one of the First Nations representatives noted that this referral process may not be adequate or effective. As a baseline both First Nations representatives were ok with it and we reviewed another indicator which addresses additional requirements, protocol agreements, etc. and since then there has been a meeting with that First Nation to develop a protocol agreement. Al asked if we approve it, we can still discuss it at another meeting? Chris noted of course it is always up for discussion if a member notes a problem. Since it is approved by SIPAG and based on a long standing practice that First Nation’s have generally agreed with we will put it into the SFMP and note that FPAG abstained from voting based on the reasons just discussed. C6.1.3: Level of Management and/or Protection of Areas where Culturally Important Practices and Activities (hunting, fishing, gathering) Occur Value Objective Cultural Heritage Resources Manage Cultural Heritage Resources in a manner that adequately reflects the associated First Nation’s goals Indicator Target Acceptable Variance Level of management and/or protection of areas where culturally important practices and activities (hunting, fishing, gathering) occur 100% Compliance with Teal’s Forest Stewardship Plans (FSP) results and strategies for Conservation and Protection of Cultural Heritage Resources, and the Heritage Conservation Act Zero Fraser PAG Meeting 27 Minutes (May 17, 2011) Page 4 of 12 File: E2-1 FPAG Chris noted this indicator is based on an existing indicator and has almost identical wording to original F6-4 Cultural Heritage Resource indicator (the exception being the ‘indicator’ which is now a core indicator. SIPAG also had an identical indicator. Chris reviewed the requirements of the Forest Stewardship Plan (1. Timber harvesting and road construction will not cause a Cultural Heritage Resource to become unavailable for its continuing extent of use by an aboriginal people; 2. At a minimum of once annually, for each First Nation with asserted traditional territory within the FDU: a) Extend an invitation to meet with the First Nation to discuss this Strategy; b) Upon the request of the First Nation, provide site level information regarding proposed developments within the asserted traditional territory of that First Nation; and c) Provide the First Nation with the opportunity to share information regarding Cultural Heritage Resources; and 3. (HBO only) At the request of a First Nation, work with that First Nation to establish a protocol for identifying a current and/or future supply of western red cedar and cypress trees suitable for traditional use. Chris also noted what the Heritage Conservation Act covers and the idea that the Forest Stewardship Plan protects those resources not covered by the Act; therefore this indicator is committing to be lawful. Sharie noted Frank’s concern from past meetings regarding First Nation’s concerns about sharing information regarding their cultural resources because they did not want to disclose. Kevin agreed, he noted that Teal met with Frank and they are in the process of developing a protocol agreement. Sharie noted he may want to change the wording. Al noted that he is involved in the treaty process for the Sto:lo Nation, the population of the Fraser area is such that it is impossible to keep some areas secret anymore. Chris asked Kevin if there were any such cases where there were confidentiality issues? Kevin said no, Al said I see you have changed your plans. Kevin agreed, if something is made known to Teal they change their plans to address the concerns as part of the standard process. He has never encountered a situation where they would not reveal the concern. Again members felt it was not appropriate to vote as there are no First Nations representatives present at this meeting. Chris noted that since this indicator is based on legislated requirements and was approved by SIPAG she would make the same notations in the SFMP for this indicator and that it is always up for discussion. Action Item #27-2: Finalize core indicators in the SFMP. Environment Department, June 30th, 2011 7. Other Common Indicators Chris noted the following indicators are based on existing indicators that are common to both the Honeymoon Bay and Fraser portion of the DFA. The indicators are for the most part identical wording or slightly different wording to accommodate the ideas of both PAGs but with the same intent and purpose. Fraser PAG Meeting 27 Minutes (May 17, 2011) Page 5 of 12 File: E2-1 FPAG D2-4 Stand Establishment All PAG members present approved the following Value, Objective, Indicator, Target and Variance that will be added to the SFM plan: Value Objective Indicator Target Acceptable Variance Forest management Successful Full compliance with activities do not establishment of Free Growing compromise the ability stands (cutblocks requirements in Zero of the ecosystem to meet free growing approved stocking recover from criteria) standards disturbance and stress This indicator has identical wording to original indicators H2-2 Stand Establishment & F2-4 Free Growing. Chris reviewed the definition: Free Growing requirements are defined within the approved stocking standards within the FSP or Forest Development Plan, as applicable. The standards vary for each biogeoclimatic subzone, variant and Site Series, but in general the standards require a minimum number of well spaced stems per hectare of a commercially viable and ecologically suitable species, of good form and vigour and free of brush competition. Ecosystem recovery from disturbance & stress Chris and Kevin provided some examples. D5-1 Visual Quality Management All PAG members present approved the following Value, Objective, Indicator, Target and Variance that will be added to the SFM plan: Value Recreation and Tourism Objective Maintain visual quality Indicator Target Acceptable Variance Cutblocks designed to meet the Visual Quality Objectives 100 % of cutblocks within visually sensitive areas meet or exceed the requirements for Visual Quality management specified in Teal’s Forest Stewardship Plans (FSP) Zero This indicator has identical wording to the originals H5-4 Visual Quality Objectives & F51 Visual Quality Management. Sharie asked how the objectives were established, for example around Avatar Grove the president of the Port Renfrew Chamber of Commerce said in the papers that visuals are an issue for the area? How does something like this fit in? Chris noted that was an identical question brought up at the SIPAG meeting. First she will explain what Visual Quality management is and then how a new area is considered. Visual quality management involves meeting Visual Quality Objectives (VQO) for known scenic areas. A Visual Quality objective is a resource management objective established by the Ministry of Forests and Range or contained in Higher-Level Plans; these objectives reflect the desired level of visual quality based on the physical Fraser PAG Meeting 27 Minutes (May 17, 2011) Page 6 of 12 File: E2-1 FPAG characteristics and social concern for the area. The Visual Quality Objectives provide parameters around the alteration of the visual landscape by forest harvesting and roads. These objectives strive to limit the negative appearance of human activities on the landscape. VQOs are established in Higher Level Plans or by the MoFR District Manager and reflect public concern for viewscapes. Forest Practice Code Guidebook Visual Impact Assessment January 2001. Kevin noted they are in the process to see if they can update the inventory. The Foresters and Engineers in Honeymoon Bay Operation recognize the ‘circle route’ a new highway that travels through the TFL (used to be a logging road, ministry of transportation took it over a few years ago). Potentially one way to visit Port Renfrew and Avatar Grove (from Lake Cowichan). Heather noted she had been through there and there was huge clearcuts. Chris said that you travel through a large area of private land so there are no visual quality objectives there, it is outside the DFA. As far as tourism goes, there is a representative on SIPAG who notes he gets the most comments on that area. The road then goes through the TFL, it is not within an established scenic area, so Teal has recognized the scenic value and voluntarily done visual management (no objectives). Chris noted some of the techniques used to determine impact and sensitivity, she noted they are Registered Professional Foresters and they do have to consider the scenic value. Sharie noted a tourism committee had been formed? Chris replied that SIPAG discussed that as well, it was the town councils and majors of each of the communities along the circle route; a councillor for Lake Cowichan is a member on the SIPAG and she explained their agenda is to increase tourism along the route and in the towns. Sharie asked what is the process, could they could potentially go to Teal regarding visual quality? Chris reiterated Sharie’s concern regarding new scenic areas and noted there are no indicators that cover that concern specifically, however there is an indicator committing Teal to respond to all public inquiries. At this point no one has sent Teal a letter, however they are being proactive in addressing this concern. That would be one option for the Town Councillors. Heather asked where the visual objectives are located? Chris said they are on a map, she and Kevin explained they are spatially identified polygons on a map. Kevin gave some examples of the objectives – partial retention or preservation, modification. He explained digital terrain models as one of the tools used to predict the impact. Chris said for example in partial retention objective there is a range of the portion of the polygon that can be modified, including the existing modifications. Heather asked is there another way to look up? Chris confirmed it is a map developed by the ministries. Al noted it works well with the private landowner who has a fishing lodge in Pitt Lake; Kevin replied that is an example where Teal went over and above the legal requirements to work with the lodge owner. Chris noted similar examples working with the Chehalis and Pacheedaht First Nations for visual concerns from their villages. Fraser PAG Meeting 27 Minutes (May 17, 2011) Page 7 of 12 File: E2-1 FPAG D3-1 Riparian Management All PAG members present approved the following Value, Objective, Indicator, Target and Variance that will be added to the SFM plan: Value Objective Indicator Target Acceptable Variance Maintain natural Compliance with habitat and requirements for riparian Zero nonZero stream management specified in compliances morphology for Teal’s Forest Stewardship aquatic species Plan (FSP) This indicator has identical wording to the original indicators H3-8 Riparian Reserve Zone, H3-9 Riparian Management Zone & F3-11 Riparian Management. Chris reviewed the Riparian terminology and requirements using a diagram; Riparian habitat occurs next to the banks of streams, lakes, and wetlands; it includes both the area dominated by continuous high moisture content and the adjacent upland vegetation that exerts an influence on it. The Riparian Management Area consists of a legislated Riparian Management Zone and, where required, a Riparian Reserve Zone (see figure below). In most cases, no harvesting is permitted within the Riparian Reserve Zone. The width of these zones are set in regulation (for older cutblocks) or within the Forest Stewardship Plan and are determined by characteristics of streams, wetlands or lakes, and adjacent terrestrial ecosystems. Natural aquatic habitat Sharie noted a stream she had seen that looked as if they logged right through it and damaged the stream banks with no vegetation left, it wasn’t within Teal’s area, however she was concerned with the management of this resource. Kevin asked where the stream was located but didn’t recognize the area, he noted it doesn’t sound like a very good practice. Kevin noted the additional requirements to protect gullies, green up requirements, and maximum cutblock sizes. Al remembered when the regulations to protect streams first came out there was ‘over’ cleaning of the streams, as the debris is a natural process. Kevin explained the process followed if there is potentially unstable terrain. Chris also noted the Standard Operating Procedures – all stream prescriptions are fall away and yard away. Kevin noted in some circumstances you can’t, but you have to make sure there is adequate lift so the stream is not damaged. Sharie noted the objective is “Maintain natural habitat and stream morphology for aquatic species” which includes all streams, not just fish streams. She was glad to confirm that the practices she saw in that stream wasn’t standard practice. Al confirmed he hadn’t seen many streams like that since 1970’s. Fraser PAG Meeting 27 Minutes (May 17, 2011) Page 8 of 12 File: E2-1 FPAG D2-1 Accidental Industrial Caused Fires All PAG members present approved the following Value, Objective, Indicator, Target and Variance that will be added to the SFM plan: Value Healthy Forests Objective Indicator Minimize stress associated with harvesting Number of Accidental Industrial Caused Fires > ½ ha in size Target Acceptable Variance Zero incidents Average one incident per year over a five year rolling average This indicator has identical wording to original indicators H2-3 and F2-5 Industrial Caused Fire, however we have revised target as per actual trends in both Honeymoon Bay and Fraser portions of the DFA (showed results of the past 4-5 years for both operations). The F2-5 target was originally Zero preventable industrial caused fires and a variance of 1 per year. Industrial caused fires are those fires which are initiated by management activities (e.g., caused by equipment operating or controlled burns that escape and cause significant damage to timber, or regenerated sites). The intent is that this indicator measures preventable impacts resulting from Teal’s forest activities, and does not include ‘acts of nature’ or where unforeseeable circumstances cause a fire. For example fires caused by lightening strikes or vandalism would be reported but would not count against the target. Chris noted the minimum size in the target (1/2ha) was added by SIPAG to acknowledge that there can be small ‘escapes’ that are allowed under Resource Management Plans (burning plans) that are not harmful but can be beneficial to the land. D2-2 Reportable Spills All PAG members present approved the following Value, Objective, Indicator, Target and Variance that will be added to the SFM plan: Value Objective Indicator Healthy Forests Minimize stress associated with harvesting Number of Reportable Spills Target Acceptable Variance Zero incidents Average two incidents per year over a five year rolling average This indicator has identical wording to original indicators H3-5 & F3-5 Reportable Spills to Land, H3-7 & F3-9 Reportable Spills to Water, however we have revised target as per actual trends in both Honeymoon Bay and Fraser portions of the DFA (showed results of the past 4-5 years for both operations). The F3-5 and F3-9 the original target was Zero and a variance of 1 per year. Fraser PAG Meeting 27 Minutes (May 17, 2011) Page 9 of 12 File: E2-1 FPAG Chris reviewed the reportable limits for hazardous materials typically used in forestry, including: petroleum products, fertilizer, herbicides, antifreeze, explosives. D2-3 Landslides All PAG members present approved the following Value, Objective, Indicator, Target and Variance that will be added to the SFM plan: Value Healthy Forests Objective Indicator Target Acceptable Variance Minimize stress associated with harvesting Number of Landslides within Recently Built Roads or Harvested Areas Less than an average of four incidents per year over a five year rolling average +1 This indicator has identical wording to original indicators H3-2 Landslides in Recently Built Roads; H3-3 Landslides in Recent Harvesting and F3-3 Landslides Resulting from Roads & Cutblocks, however we have revised target as per actual trends in both Honeymoon Bay and Fraser portions of the DFA (showed results of the past 4-5 years for both operations). The F3-3 original target of Zero and variance 2 per year related to roads; 2 per year related to cutblocks. For the purposes of the SFM Plan, the definition of a landslide is based on damage caused to forest resources. The following thresholds are used by the Forest Practices Board of British Columbia to define a landslide that causes a materially adverse effect on the environment: A landslide of 200 cubic metres of sediment or more that directly entered a community watershed stream, a fish-bearing reach of a stream, or a direct tributary of a fish stream within 500 metres of fish habitat. A landslide of any size that caused a debris flow that scoured a portion of a fish stream. A landslide that delivered in excess of 500 cubic metres of sediment to a stream directly tributary to a fish stream. A landslide that destroyed more than 0.25 hectares of forest or plantation The intent of this indicator is to measure damage to the landbase caused by management and implementation of road activities (e.g., construction, maintenance or deactivation) and does not include ‘acts of nature’. Chris noted that we ran out of time to discuss streamlining the list of Fraser indicators but we will add it to the agenda for the next meeting. For example there are several indicators that report ‘no change in status’. Action Item #27-3: Finalize the DFA common indicators in the SFMP. Environment Department, June 30th, 2011 Fraser PAG Meeting 27 Minutes (May 17, 2011) Page 10 of 12 File: E2-1 FPAG Action Item #27-4: Post the final version of the SFMP on the website. Environment Department, June 30th, 2011 The meeting was temporarily adjourned for a 30 minute meal break at 7:00 pm, and resumed at 7:30 pm 8. 2010 Annual Report The results of the 2010 SFMP annual report were reviewed. The following is a summary of the review: Total 69 of 72 indicators met targets 5 indicators don’t have current status yet as they were just developed towards the end of 2011 Appendix 2c Defined Forest Area 36 of 37 targets met (5 indicators no current status) Indicator C2.1.1 Reforestation Success, target is Full compliance with regeneration delay requirements in approved stocking standards (variance zero). In 2010 in the Honeymoon Bay portion of the DFA there were 27 cutblocks with regeneration expiry dates within the year were determined to have achieved the required stocking levels of well-spaced stems per hectare. In the Fraser portion of the DFA 46 cutblocks with regeneration expiry dates within the year were determined to have achieved the required stocking levels of wellspaced stems per hectare; one block has not been planted or surveyed so the current status is not known (JL-2 is a small heli-block and access is difficult; it is planned for survey and planting in 2011 as soon as the snow melts). Appendix 2b Fraser 20 of 21 targets met Indicator F5-3 FIA Landbased Investment, Percent of allocated Forest Investment Account funds re-invested into the land base target is 100% (variance is zero). In 2010 95% ($338,308) The funds were allocated to and managed by the Fraser Timber Supply Area Co-op. Although only 95% of the budget was spent, the entire project was completed (note: the funds were allocated and the job went out for bidding, the winning bid was lower than the estimated project cost. Efforts were made to spend remaining funds, including the development of prescriptions for future projects and additional area for fertilization, however, due to administrative challenges the additional area was not completed within the allowed timeline). Appendix 2a Honeymoon Bay 13 of 14 targets met Indicator H3-10 Management of Fisheries Sensitive Features, target is Minimum of 20% of the annual FIA budget for TFL 46 to be spent on fisheries related projects (variance is -10% and no upper limits). In 2010 no funds were allocated to fisheries related projects as these projects are no longer eligible for funding. It is important to note there were significant changes in provincial funding for projects in the DFA; for example the list of eligible projects was changed (in 2010 Net Volume Adjustment Factor sampling was the only project Fraser PAG Meeting 27 Minutes (May 17, 2011) Page 11 of 12 File: E2-1 FPAG eligible in the Honeymoon Bay portion of the DFA), funds are no longer allocated based upon AAC and several funding sources are now amalgamated. Since funding availability is changing Teal informed the PAGs of these changes, and they agreed to re-evaluate those indicators affected in a year’s time. Very good results considering two of these indicators did not achieve targets due to outside factors beyond Teal’s control (e.g., changes to funding). The results for several indicators that capture specific concerns were also discussed (e.g., F6-10, F6-11, F6-12 and F6-13 concerning Sites of Special Significance indicators), F5-6: Reporting Terrain Related Threats and F3-12: Quality & Quantity of Potable Water Chris reminded the group you can find the entire Sustainable Forest Management Plan (June 2011 version) posted at http://www.tealjones.com/Sustainability.htm. As a reminder Appendix 2 has three sections: Appendix 2a contains the indicators that are applicable to the Honeymoon Bay portion of the DFA; Appendix 2b contains the indicators that are applicable to the Fraser portion of the DFA; and Appendix 2c contains the indicators that are applicable to the entire DFA. You can find a summary of the 2010 results after the Table of Contents in each of these 3 appendicies, and the 2010 results for each indicator under the "Current Results and Strategy" sections. Al asked for clarification on the numbering system of the indicators. Chris reviewed the numbering at the meeting and noted she will add the summary to the June 2011 version of the SFMP. 9. Next Scheduled Meeting The next meeting will be scheduled for September for a field trip. The meeting was adjourned at 8:34 p.m. Minutes recorded by Chris Harvey. Fraser PAG Meeting 27 Minutes (May 17, 2011) Page 12 of 12
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