Six Interfor forestry plans open for public comment in Grand Forks area
Interfor's Grand Forks Division is responsible for six forestry operations maps open for public comment in the Boundary region.
Photo credit: File photo
GRAND FORKS — Six forestry operations maps submitted by Interfor Corporation for its Grand Forks Division are open for public review, with proposed operations covering Beaver Creek, West Fork, Italy, North Rendell, Carmi and Highway 33.
Three of the plans entered the provincial Forest Operations Map (FOM) register on Oct. 14, with public comments accepted until Nov. 13. Another three opened for review on Oct. 7 and have a Nov. 6 deadline.
The maps identify areas where Interfor is proposing future forestry activities, including cutblocks and roads. They form part of the provincial planning and public-review process that must take place before a forest tenure holder applies for the associated cutting and road permits.
The three plans that opened Oct. 14 are listed under Interfor's forest licence A18969. They include FOM 3524 for Beaver Creek, FOM 3523 for West Fork and FOM 3522 for Italy.
The earlier submissions include FOM 3507 for North Rendell, also under licence A18969, and two plans under Tree Farm Licence 8: FOM 3511 for Carmi and FOM 3512 for Highway 33.
All six identify proposed operations for the 2026–2030 period. The public register gives the Oct. 14 maps a validity date extending to Oct. 14, 2029, while the Oct. 7 maps have a validity date of Oct. 7, 2029.
Under B.C.'s Forest and Range Practices Act, forest tenure holders must make Forest Operations Maps available for public review before submitting applications for cutting or road permits associated with the proposed operations.
The maps provide information about the approximate locations of planned cutblocks and roads. Publication of a map does not establish that harvesting or road construction has been authorized. Separate permits are required before the proposed work can proceed.
The public-review process allows residents, land users and other interested parties to examine proposed operations and submit comments. Forest tenure holders must consider comments relevant to the maps and report on the consultation process, including any resulting changes, when submitting the required documentation to the province.
Members of the public can view the plans through the provincial Forest Operations Map portal by searching for the individual map numbers or Interfor Corporation.
Comments can be submitted through the portal's online comment function or by email to kootenaywoodlands.fom@interfor.com. The province says comments submitted through the portal are provided to the forest tenure holder and Ministry of Forests staff.
The public notices also identify Interfor's Grand Forks Division office at 570 68th Ave. as a location where maps can be reviewed by appointment during weekday business hours, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The deadline for comments on the North Rendell, Carmi and Highway 33 plans is Nov. 6, 2026. The Beaver Creek, West Fork and Italy plans remain open for comment until Nov. 13, 2026.
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