Macpherson Logging Update - BCTS Meeting Notes

Message to RCA Members – March 10, 2015On Thursday February 26th members of the RCA and Nordic Club Boards met with BCTS to discuss the upcoming logging in the Mt Macpherson recreational area. In the spirit of open communication and cooperation, we wanted to share the details of that meeting with our respective memberships and the general public.The proposed block K6KK consists of two areas that amount to approximately 35 hectares (86 acres), although the final area to be harvested (in hectares) is yet to be determined. To allow for some perspective, the Buff Enuff cut block was 10 hectares in size and was logged in 2008. The one part of the block is around the Nordic lodge and the larger block extends 800m along the lower edge of the Nordic trail Main Loop, and the knoll that encompasses TNT, Ridgewalk, Ridgewalk Bypass and Mad Man’s Leap as well as Mad Man’s Step.  Block K6KK consists primarily of 100-120 year old Hemlock. BCTS proposes that the block be logged in late summer/early fall 2016.The discussion at the meeting was focused by questions provided to the clubs from BCTS related to preferences for how the block would be harvested. We strongly encouraged BCTS to consider leaving as much canopy cover as possible in the area of the bike trails and along the edge of Main Loop to preserve, as much as possible, the current flavor of the trails.  BCTS would do this by retaining select trees or small patches of trees.  The RCA defers to the Nordic club when it comes to the discussion about the blocks in the area of the Nordic Lodge.  BCTS has committed to providing the recreational community with updated maps of the block once all harvest constraints, including the concerns raised by the Nordic Club and RCA, are accounted for.  We will circulate maps to members when they become available.In order to guide future trail development in the area, the RCA asked BCTS to discuss the longer term strategy at Macpherson.   Our concern is that rate of cut in the area over the last 2 years will be a reflection of what is to come in the future and will degrade the quality of the recreational use of the area.  BCTS stated that they cannot provide a longer term strategy, but did intend to continue the past practice of moderate harvesting over time.  It is worthwhile to highlight that BCTS has had an important role in developing and maintaining the network of trails we have today (both summer and winter). We would like to thank BCTS for past support of all trail building applications from the RCA and RNSC since 1998. BCTS has indicated that under existing commitments they will continue to integrate recreational values into its forest development planning, as well as support future trail building applications, provided that the clubs remain committed to co-operation and shared land use. Members are encouraged to attend the open house hosted by BCTS at the Ministry of Forests office on March 11 and 12 to gain more information about the upcoming harvest.As always the RCA Board encourages members to respond with feedback and your thoughts so we can appropriately represent your interests in this discussion or provide you with more information.  revybiker@gmail.com