File photo of logging area. (9239978 Steve Estvanik Dreamstime.com)

By Pete McIntyre

Duteau Creek

Tolko ends plan to log near Greater Vernon water source

May 5, 2021 | 11:00 AM

Tolko Industries has backed off its plans to log an area near one of the main water intakes for Greater Vernon’s water system.

In a news release issued by the Vernon-based company and the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO), Tolko says it will be altering harvest plans to exclude the Duteau Creek watershed that was opposed by the RDNO, and no harvest or road construction will take place in that area.

“After the RDNO raised issues, Tolko took some time to engage with them, listen to their concerns, and re-examine the harvest plan,” a news release from Chris Downey, communications advisor for Tolko, stated. “Tolko’s analysis that the area is safe to harvest has not changed according to the requirements of the Forest and Range Practices Act, but the company appreciates the different priorities of the RDNO and feels that this is the best way to proceed.”

Downey said Tolko shared its decision to modify the harvest plans with RDNO and the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development on Monday May 3.

Kevin Jewett, Tolko’s Vice President, Woodlands, said they have worked with the regional district and the ministry on the concerns over the past few weeks.

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“We value the collaboration we’ve had on this discussion as we explore options to plan and harvest our Annual Allowable Cut and keep our people working,” Jewett said.

Kevin Acton, chair of the RDNO board, said they thank Tolko for considering RDNO’s perspective and excluding the area of concern from their harvesting plans.

“We look forward to fostering this relationship and having positive discussions about watershed management and cooperation on areas of concern to our water infrastructure,” Acton stated.

The timber cutting area would have been about 500 metres from the main intake for the Duteau Creek water system which supplies 60 per cent of the water to Greater Vernon.