Do you own the timber on your property?
Some mineral claims that were issued in the 1920's and 1930's conveyed surface and subsurface rights to the landowner. These claims did not, however, convey the rights to the timber for any use other than for the epxressed purpose of mining. In other words, the Crown retained the rights to the timber unless it was to be used for mining purposes. Cutting the trees without a valid authority may be in contravention of Section 52 of the Forest and Range Practices Act.
Some landowners may not be aware that they do not hold the timber rights. The "State of Title Certificate" issued by the Land Title Office does not specify those rights. In order for a landowner to determine the extent of their rights they must obtain a copy of the original mineral claim over the property issued under the authority of the Mineral Act. It is highly rcommended that you do so prior to any trees being cut. A copy of the mineral claim can be obtained by accessing an internet web site at the following address: https://tantalis.clrs.gov.bc.ca/. You will be required to set up an account and a fee will be charged for each request made. Account and fee information is available on the web site.
If a landowner determines that they do not have the rights to the trees but wishes to remove timber they must make application for a cutting authority. Inquiries can be made at the Cascades Forest District 250 878 8400. The compliance and enforcement office is currently Brad Beaupre (250) 256-1429.
This applies to Bralorne, Gold Bridge and Gun Lake areas for sure. Not sure yet about Tyaughton Lake. I am going to find out how we can get this changed. We are also make enquiries as to what impact/difference this mades to Fuel Mitigation activities by the CROWN on private property where they still hold timber rights.
Do you have a dock or wharf, or other building in or near the foreshore on a lake or stream?
Much as many of us don't want to hear this, you must either make application or notification of building in or near a lake or stream. Please read the attached for how to do so:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/water_rights/licence_application/section9/index.html
I would also note that MFLNRO now has a Natural Resource Compliance and Enforcement Officer in Lillooet. His number is 250 256 1429 if you wish to contact him and make questions.
Clean wood waste drop off
Following successful completion of a pilot program last summer, the SLRD is providing free wood waste collection at the Gold Bridge Transfer station all summer.
YES: Wood must be clean, organic wood debris like pruned branches, shrubs, stumps, fallen trees.
NO: Lawn trimmings, treatedlumber, furniture, construction material and non wood waste. These items are able to be dumped elsewhere at the Transfer Station paying the usual tipping fees.
Interface wildfire is a critical danger in the Upper Bridge River Valley. This initiative is designed to assist residents in making their properties Fire Smart. Firesmart manuals are available at the Community Resource Building as well as at www.southchiclotin.ca/gunlake/GLFPS.html.
Remember dumping any kind of clean or non clean wood waste anywhere BUT at the Transfer Station creates more of a fire hazard, an eyesore and is illegal. Please deal with this material on your own property or take advantage of this opportunity.
Spruce budworm spraying on Crown Land
There are signs up around Gun Lake and Tyaughton Lake currently advising of the window for spraying for the Spruce Budworm from June 10 to July 5 weather permitting. The program is being conducted by MFLNRO.
Spray area: DRAFT map of spraying in our area
Lots of other info previously on my blog about this.
District of Lillooet : Reduction of Funding to SLRD
For those of you that read this article Lillooet News Article it might have raised an eyebrow or two. I want to let you know that the SLRD was unaware of this and I, as your Area A regional district director have not agreed to anything. This is the presentation by District of Lillooet of how they think they are going to deal with their budget issues, nothing more and nothing less. I will keep you in the loop as this progresses.
Gold Trail School District, Community Conversations and the Gold Bridge School
The Gold Trail School District has been holding a number of Community Conversations in order to build a long term facility plan (due out September). The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Gold Bridge School both from a funding perspective and an enrollment perspective is perpetuating a negative cycle which is affecting the long term future of this school. Rather than undertake another volunteer led process with scare resources and volunteers stretch so many ways, I have proposed to the School District to be a stakeholder and in part fund a School Viability Plan. Major businesses, the PAC, BRVCA, the Library and many others have expressed in writing their support of their approach. The plan would address educational model, educational content, marketing, community amenities, population recruitment and other community development aspects. Letter and Submission to School District
Invasives around Gun Lake
Thank you to Interior Roads who will mow certain areas around Gun Lake. Last year the Canada Thistle became very obvious and many volunteers got a lot of exercise pulling them out. I contacted everyone I could think of to get help and have to hand it to Interior Roads for coming to our aid. We cannot time the mowing so hopefully it will work out! Thanks Phil Doddridge!!!
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