{"id":63362,"date":"2026-05-28T08:59:22","date_gmt":"2026-05-28T15:59:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/?post_type=engagement&#038;p=63362"},"modified":"2026-06-09T10:30:50","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T17:30:50","slug":"lakesresiliency","status":"publish","type":"engagement","link":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement\/lakesresiliency\/","title":{"rendered":"Lakes Resiliency Project"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group engage-banner has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fbda80\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"top\">Engagement is open until July 31, 2026<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-horizontal is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-1 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover is-light\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-0 has-background-dim\"><\/span><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1703\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-2567\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2023\/01\/15335004873_840fdaec1a_o-scaled.jpg\" style=\"object-position:56% 15%\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-object-position=\"56% 15%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2023\/01\/15335004873_840fdaec1a_o-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2023\/01\/15335004873_840fdaec1a_o-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2023\/01\/15335004873_840fdaec1a_o-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2023\/01\/15335004873_840fdaec1a_o-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2023\/01\/15335004873_840fdaec1a_o-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2023\/01\/15335004873_840fdaec1a_o-2048x1363.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2023\/01\/15335004873_840fdaec1a_o-1200x798.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-engagement-container\"><div class=\"engagement-page\"><div class=\"engagement-content-wrapper\"><h1 class=\"engagement-title-banner \" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/themes\/bcgov-engagement\/dist\/images\/blue-curve-bg.svg)\">Lakes Resiliency Project<\/h1>\n<div class=\"wp-block-engagement-content\"><bcgov-breadcrumb>\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\">Home<\/a>\n                      <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement\/\">Engagement Opportunities<\/a> \n                  <span>\n        Lakes Resiliency Project\n  <\/span>\n  <div style=\"display: flex\" slot=\"breadcrumb-extra\">\n      <\/div>\n  <\/bcgov-breadcrumb>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">On this page&#8230;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#background\" title=\"\">Background<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#summary\" title=\"\">Engagement summary and how to participate<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#sections\" title=\"\">LUOO amendments and FLP strategies<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#results\" title=\"\">Results<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-govtogether-call-to-action\"><div class=\"cta-header\"><p class=\"cta-status status-open\" aria-label=\"Status: open\">open<\/p><p class=\"days-left-message\"><\/p><\/div><div class=\"cta-body\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-bcgov-primary-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/planninginpartnership.ca\/p\/669eb13b8e30fb003991af4b\/project-details\">Online survey<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Survey is open until July 31<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-govtogether-engagement-header\"><div class=\"text-column\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Who: <\/strong>The Ministry of Forests<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What: <\/strong>New land use objectives and forest management plans for the Lakes planning area<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Where:<\/strong> Lakes Timber Supply Area (TSA), Skeena Region<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why:<\/strong> To modernize and improve land use practices<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How: <\/strong>Online<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"taxonomy-engagement_category wp-block-post-terms\"><span class=\"wp-block-post-terms__prefix\"><strong>Category: <\/strong><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement_category\/environmental-protection\/\" rel=\"tag\">Environmental Protection<\/a><span class=\"wp-block-post-terms__separator\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement_category\/land-and-water\/\" rel=\"tag\">Land and Water<\/a><span class=\"wp-block-post-terms__separator\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement_category\/natural-resources\/\" rel=\"tag\">Natural Resources<\/a><span class=\"wp-block-post-terms__separator\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement_category\/timber-supply\/\" rel=\"tag\">Timber Supply<\/a><span class=\"wp-block-post-terms__separator\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement_category\/wildlife-and-habitat-protection\/\" rel=\"tag\">Wildlife and Habitat Protection<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"image-column\"><span role=\"img\" aria-label=\"\" class=\"engagement-image\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2023\/02\/Mackenzie-TSA1.jpg);background-position:50% 28.999999999999996%\"><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"background\">Background<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The goal of the Lakes Resiliency Project (the project) is to develop direction for sustainable forest management in this area of the Skeena Region. This Forest Landscape Plan (FLP) has been developed in collaboration with First Nations and licensees with input from local communities and stakeholders in the planning area. The planning area is within the Lakes Timber Supply Area (TSA). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This plan is one of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www2.gov.bc.ca\/gov\/content?id=A6A208C8A4224EA1BEEC38B337DDA1B8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">four pilots for other areas in the province<\/a>. The Lakes Resiliency Project will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Amend the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca\/civix\/document\/id\/complete\/statreg\/357_2005\" title=\"\">Lakes North and South Land Use Objective Orders (LUOO)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Produce a forest landscape plan that aligns with the new changes to the Forest and Range Practices Act and reflects the interests of First Nations, licensees, local communities, and the public<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We want to hear your comments or concerns on the proposed draft Forest Landscape Plan and land use objective amendments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The project&#8217;s vision statement is: Sustainability through respect, collaboration, resilience, and reconciliation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Forest and Range Practices Act<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www2.gov.bc.ca\/gov\/content\/environment\/natural-resource-stewardship\/laws-policies-standards-guidance\/legislation-regulation\/forest-range-practices-act\" title=\"\">Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA)<\/a> is B.C. legislation that governs forest and range activities on public lands during forest planning, road building, timber harvesting, reforestation, and livestock grazing. Forest Landscape Planning is a new chapter of FRPA. It allows us to manage cultural, forest, and range values through partnerships with First Nations and engagement with communities and affected parties for the good of the people in B.C. and forest ecosystems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Forest Landscape Planning will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Support collaborative planning with Indigenous Nations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clarify direction for overlapping natural resource values<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Explore local solutions for sustainable forest management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Establish short-term planning direction for resilient long-term forest management vision<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clarify where and how harvesting and other forest management activities can occur<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Give all communities a wider range of involvement and input<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support informed decision about our forests and realizing the annual allowable cut for the benefit for all British Columbians<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide increased certainty for the forest sector<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Project Goals:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reduce wildfire hazards and decrease the risk of future catastrophic wildfires<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create a more resilient forested land base<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maintain ecological services and cultural values<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contribute to the stability of the timber supply, supporting jobs and a viable competitive forest sector<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The project&#8217;s scope includes the review and amendment of the existing land use objectives orders established under the Lakes North and Lakes South Sustainable Resource Management (SRMPs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"current-conditions\">Current conditions report engagement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2024, The Lakes Resiliency Project sought public review and comment on the current condition report for the Lakes planning area. The current condition report identifies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Current forest management practices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The impact of those current practices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Natural disturbances on the landbase<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Read the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www2.gov.bc.ca\/assets\/download\/AD67CE761EF040668D594B0EF3B7D60B\" title=\"\">current conditions report (PDF, 8MB)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read the <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2023\/02\/Lakes_Current_Condition_Report_Executive_Summary_V1.6.pdf\" title=\"\">current conditions report summary (PDF, 500KB)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>View the <a href=\"#results\" title=\"\">results<\/a> of this engagement<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"summary\">Engagement summary and how to participate<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This engagement is on the Forest Landscape Plan and Land Use Objectives Regulation Orders (LUOO) amendments within the Lakes Resiliency Project area. Visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/planninginpartnership.ca\/p\/669eb13b8e30fb003991af4b\/project-details\" title=\"\">project page<\/a> for more information on how to participate, including the online survey.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"558\" src=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2024\/01\/Lakes-Resiliency-Project-Overview-1024x558.png\" alt=\"Infographic of the Lakes Resiliency Project\" class=\"wp-image-85842\" srcset=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2024\/01\/Lakes-Resiliency-Project-Overview-1024x558.png 1024w, https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2024\/01\/Lakes-Resiliency-Project-Overview-300x164.png 300w, https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2024\/01\/Lakes-Resiliency-Project-Overview-768x419.png 768w, https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2024\/01\/Lakes-Resiliency-Project-Overview-1536x837.png 1536w, https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2024\/01\/Lakes-Resiliency-Project-Overview-1200x654.png 1200w, https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2024\/01\/Lakes-Resiliency-Project-Overview.png 1638w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sections\">LUOO amendments and FLP strategies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The FLP is large and covers many areas of different technical complexities. It includes 5 proposed LUOO amendments and 9 FLP sections with 28 proposed strategies. You can read the <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2026\/05\/Lakes-Draft-Forest-Landscape-Plan.pdf\" title=\"\">full-length plan (PDF, 7.4MB)<\/a> or review additional background information on the <a href=\"https:\/\/planninginpartnership.ca\/p\/669eb13b8e30fb003991af4b\/project-details\" title=\"\">project site<\/a>. These are also available to review in person at:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Nadina Natural Resource District office in Burns Lake, 183 Highway 16 West <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Smithers Regional Office in Smithers, 3726 Alfred Street<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">LUOO amendments: key changes proposed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Seral stage definition<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Seral stage describes a distinct phase of forest development that occurs within the natural process of ecological succession following a disturbance. After events such as a wildfire or harvesting, the area gradually changes over time from bare ground with moss to grassland, then to shrubs and eventually into a mature forest. Each of these steps is a seral stage, with the mature forest representing the climax stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The planning area includes two major biogeoclimatic ecosystem zones: Englemann spruce subalpine fir (ESSF) and sub\u2011boreal Spruce (SBS). The ESSF ecosystem transitions from the lower elevation SBS ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The two ecosystems currently use different age thresholds to define mature and old forests. In the SBS zone, forests are considered mature at more than 100 years old and old at more than 140 years. In the ESSF zone, forests are considered mature at more than 120 years and old at more than 250 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>New seral stage definitions are being proposed to replace definitions from the 1995 biodiversity guidebook. These updated definitions use more recent information and would make the age definitions the same for both ESSF and SBS ecosystems. The revised seral stage definitions explicitly recognize and account for the ecotonal characteristics of the ESSF BEC zone. Ecotonal meaning the transitional area where two distinct ecological areas meet and overlap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Under the proposed changes, forests in both ecosystems would be classified as mature at 80 years old and old at 140 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Seral stage targets<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Seral stage distribution&nbsp;refers to the proportion and spatial arrangement of forest&nbsp;area&nbsp;across different seral stages within a defined landscape. This objective is to make sure there is a healthy mix of young, mature and old forests within each landscape unit and biogeoclimatic zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Accordingly, seral stage distributions were redefined to reflect natural disturbance patterns of a fire-based ecosystem as found within the Lakes TSA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stand-level retention<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Stand-level retention&nbsp;focuses&nbsp;on&nbsp;retaining&nbsp;key ecological structures, habitat features and riparian areas within harvested areas to&nbsp;retain&nbsp;biological characteristics and improve habitat quality in regenerating stands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Feedback from First Nations highlighted the importance of increasing wildlife tree retention. The proposed amendment increases the Wildlife Tree Retention Area amount and harmonizes it across the TSA rather than varying by ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Patch size distribution<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Patch size distribution measures how much of the landscape is occupied by&nbsp;very early&nbsp;seral stages, defined as areas 20 years old or younger.&nbsp;The distribution of patch size in forest disturbances is a critical aspect of forest management and biodiversity conservation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Current practices have created a fragmented landscape that is more susceptible to natural disturbance.&nbsp;The proposed patch size distribution aims to reduce fragmentation and reflect natural disturbance patterns of a fire-based ecosystem as found within the Lakes TSA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old growth and connectivity<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Old growth management areas (OGMAs) are areas set aside to help meet targets for old forests. These areas include forests of many different ages, and many do not meet the current definition of old forest. Younger forests within OGMAs are usually the result of natural events, such as wildfire or mountain pine beetle outbreaks. Mid-aged and mature forests were intentionally included so they can grow into old forest over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The landscape connectivity matrix (LCM) is a network of forest corridors designed to keep wildlife habitat connected throughout the landscape. While it supports connectivity, the LCM creates operational challenges, including limits on dead timber salvage and reduced ability to manage wildfire risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Under the LUOOs and FLP framework, both OGMAs and the LCM will be replaced by the Lakes biodiversity matrix. This new approach is intended to maintain important habitat areas and landscape connectivity, while providing greater flexibility to manage wildfire risk and respond to natural disturbances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The biodiversity matrix will be guided by clear objectives, targets and rules that define what activities are allowed. This will help licensees manage large\u2011scale natural disturbances while still meeting biodiversity goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FLP draft: key strategies proposed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cultural well-being<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The cultural well-being strategies addresses First Nations\u2019 cultural relationships and practices on the landscape. Ensuring that there are healthy ecosystems that support food, social, ceremonial and economic needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Landscape ecosystem health and resilience<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The landscape ecosystem health and resilience strategies aim to address forests that have become too fragmented, too uniform and lacking the natural mix of ages and ecosystem diversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The strategies guide a shift toward landscape patterns that reflect natural processes. This is accomplished by strengthening ecosystems, improving forest connectivity, rebalancing seral stages and allowing for longer recovery periods following a disturbance. They use a connectivity matrix to support a more dynamically managed forest, recognizing uncertainty through adaptive management and ongoing learning, while prioritizing natural processes and important ecological and cultural values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wildfire resilience<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Wildfire resilience strategies respond to the concerns of increasing size and intensity of wildfires by proactively shaping forest conditions in key areas of the landbase. Rather than trying to suppress a<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong>fire entirely, these strategies focus on reducing extreme fire behaviour and improving response opportunities. This is done by managing forest fuels, adjusting harvesting and regeneration practices, and working with natural landscape features to slow fire spread. This approach is especially important given the legacy of fuel buildup from past disturbances and the growing influence of climate change on wildfire behaviour in the planning area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aquatics, wetlands, and riparian habitat<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The Aquatics, Wetlands and Riparian Habitat strategies focus on protecting and restoring water-dependent ecosystems that have been heavily affected by insects, wildfire, roads&nbsp;and salvage activities. These strategies prioritize maintaining near natural hydrology, stream stability, water quality, fish passage and wetland function. They also place strong emphasis on working directly with First Nations to identify and protect culturally important aquatic and riparian areas. This ensures that watershed health and cultural stewardship are addressed alongside forest and wildfire management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wildlife habitat<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The Wildlife Habitat strategies are focused on maintaining healthy, connected and resilient ecosystems over the long-term. &nbsp;This is done by providing direction on road and forest development&nbsp;so that these activities do not fragment habitat or degrade the environment, which changes animal movement. The strategies will prioritize management for these values as a practical way to reduce industrial impact while still allowing harvest opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visual quality<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The Visual Quality strategies guide how forest activities should look so they blend naturally with the landscape. In areas like the Lakes TSA, where wildfire and other large-scale natural disturbances are common, visible changes to the landscape are a normal part of ecosystem dynamics. Rather than trying to maintain a uniform or undisturbed appearance, these approaches recognize that change is inherent in fire-driven systems and instead focus on designing forest practices that reflect natural patterns and processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Range<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The range strategies keep rangelands and forests healthy, while supporting livestock, wildlife&nbsp;and forestry. They ensure grazing stays within what the land can naturally recover from, protecting soil, water and plant health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They also maintain diverse, connected habitats for wildlife and co-ordinates grazing with forest activities. In addition, the strategies work to prevent invasive plants from spreading from activities like harvesting, hauling&nbsp;and ground disturbance by focusing on early detection and quick response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Soil<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The soil strategies are about protecting soil as the foundation of healthy forests and ecosystems. They guide forest activities to limit soil damage like compaction, erosion and disruption of natural water movement. This is especially important in sensitive, unstable or wet soils because keeping soils intact helps support plant growth and protects long\u2011term productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The strategies also focus on protecting wetlands, riparian soils and natural drainage to keep water clean and flowing properly. They reduce long\u2011term impacts by limiting new roads, sharing access where possible and restoring or closing old roads that affect soil and water function. By combining careful planning, monitoring and Indigenous knowledge, the strategies support healthy soils, clean water, wildlife habitat and resilient ecosystems over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Timber and harvesting levels<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The timber supply strategies focus on maintaining a sustainable and resilient supply of timber in the Lakes TSA, while responding to climate change, past disturbances&nbsp;and current forest conditions. They guide where and how harvesting takes place, so that productive forest land is maintained over the long term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Under the FLP, this is achieved through a flexible, landscape-level approach that maintains access to a broad harvestable land base and manages harvesting within objectives for old forest retention, disturbance patterns&nbsp;and wildfire resilience, resulting in a projected sustainable harvest level of approximately 620,255\u202fcubic metres&nbsp;of green timber across the FLP area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Together, these strategies highlight key priorities within the forest landscape plan and demonstrate how the plan is responding to the most significant risks and values in a highly disturbed and fire-affected landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strategies at a glance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This list provides a one-sentence summary of what each strategy is about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Strategy 1: Lakes Biodiversity Matrix<\/strong> \u2014 Keep a connected network of key habitats with limited harvesting to protect nature and cultural values long term<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategy 2: Seral Stage &#8211; Old Forest<\/strong> \u2014 Keep a better mix of forest ages, especially mature and old forests, so habitat and connectivity stay balanced<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategy 3: Patch Size<\/strong> \u2014 Use larger, more natural-looking harvest patches to reduce fragmentation and better match wildfire patterns<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategy 4: Stand-Level Retention Across the Standard Harvest Area<\/strong> \u2014 Leave more important trees and habitat features inside cutblocks to support wildlife and recovery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategy 5: Focused Harvest Area (FHA)<\/strong> \u2014 Concentrate harvesting in one area for a short time to mimic wildfire and reduce widespread fragmentation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategy 6: Interim Recovery Areas (IRA)<\/strong> \u2014 Set temporary \u201crest areas\u201d with low human activity so ecosystems can recover<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategy 7: Wildfire Threat within Interim Potential Operational Delineations (POD)<\/strong> \u2014 Reduce continuous fuels inside POD areas so fires spread less and firefighters can work more safely<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategy 8: Fuel Management and Mitigation Near Potential Control Features (PCF)<\/strong> \u2014 Strengthen roads\/rivers\/ridges as fuel-reduced boundaries to help slow or stop wildfire<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategy 9: Fuel Management and Mitigation Activities within Wildland Urban Interface Areas (WUI)<\/strong> \u2014 Treat fuels near communities to reduce fire intensity and protect people and property<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategy 10: Riparian Habitat<\/strong> \u2014 Keep healthy streamside forests for shade, stable banks, water quality, and fish\/wildlife habitat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategy 11: Road Practices Near Wetlands<\/strong> \u2014 Build\/manage\/close roads near wetlands to protect water flow and prevent sediment harm<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategy 12: Watershed Disturbance<\/strong> \u2014 Limit overall watershed disturbance so stream flows stay closer to natural and habitat stays stable<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategy 13: Open Road Density<\/strong> \u2014 Reduce open roads (especially in priority watersheds) to lower sediment and reduce wildlife disturbance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategy 14: Protect Wildlife Habitat Features<\/strong> \u2014 Protect small but critical wildlife sites (dens, nests, licks, etc.) from disturbance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Strategy 15: Moose Cover<\/strong> \u2014 Keep enough secure forest cover so moose can rest, stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and move safely<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategy 16: Moose Forage<\/strong> \u2014 Maintain good moose food areas near secure cover so moose can feed safely<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategy 17: Moose Disturbance<\/strong> \u2014 Reduce road\/activity impacts that increase hunting, predation, and stress on moose<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategy 18: Fisher Habitat Retention Tool<\/strong> \u2014 Keep enough connected, complex older forest so fisher can den, rest, and raise young<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategy 19: Northern Goshawk Breeding and Forage<\/strong> \u2014 Protect nest areas and nearby feeding habitat so goshawks can reproduce successfully<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategy 20: Caribou<\/strong> \u2014 Increase intact habitat and keep the forest age mix needed for caribou over time, following legal direction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategy 21: Mountain Goat<\/strong> \u2014 Reduce disturbance and protect key winter range terrain and cover for goats<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategy 22: Mule Deer<\/strong> \u2014 Protect older forest winter range that helps deer conserve energy and stay safe in deep snow<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategy 23: Grizzly Bear<\/strong> \u2014 Keep large, connected areas of suitable habitat and limit major forestry in key habitat polygons<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategy 24: Visual Quality<\/strong> \u2014 Design forestry to look more like natural wildfire patterns, especially in scenic view areas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategy 25: Natural Range Barriers<\/strong> \u2014 Avoid damage to natural landscape features that control livestock movements within range tenures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategy 26: Mitigate Spread of Invasive Plants<\/strong> \u2014 Prevent invasive plants from spreading through roads and operations using early detection and quick action<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategy 27: Mitigate Soil Disturbance<\/strong> \u2014 Reduce soil damage and road impacts to protect long-term forest growth and water quality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategy 28: Timber Supply<\/strong> \u2014 Keep timber harvesting sustainable and resilient while balancing other forest values and climate impacts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quick definitions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Basal area:<\/strong> a way to measure how much tree trunk area remains, to estimate tree stand density (see &#8220;Forest stand&#8221;) or volume of timber<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Biodiversity:<\/strong> many different kinds of plants and animals living together<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cutblock:<\/strong> a specific, authorized area where timber harvesting takes place<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Equivalent Clearcut Area (ECA)<\/strong>: a way to estimate how much impacts to water movement cause forest disturbance as if the area was fully clearcut<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Forest edge<\/strong>: borders between forests and open areas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Forest stand<\/strong>: a group of trees that are similar in age and\/or condition, growing together<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fragmentation:<\/strong> breaking big forest cutblocks into many smaller pieces<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fuel break:<\/strong> a strip or area with less burnable material to slow fire<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Interior forest:<\/strong> deep forest far from edges and roads<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Matrix:<\/strong> a connected set of areas across a landscape<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Natural Range of Variability (NRV):<\/strong> what forests would normally look like over time with natural events like wildfire<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Retention<\/strong>: leaving some or certain trees and habitat features<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Riparian:<\/strong> land beside streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Seral stage:<\/strong> a forest \u201cage step\u201d as it grows back after disturbance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI):<\/strong> where homes and forest\/grass fuels meet<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"results\">Results<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2024\/01\/CCR-WWH-Report-FINAL-2.pdf\" title=\"\">Current Conditions Report: What We Heard (PDF, 300KB)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2026\/05\/Lakes_Resiliency_Project_What_We_Heard_Report_Public_Engagement_Nov_2025_-_January_2026.pdf\" title=\"\">November 2025 to January 2026 Public Engagement: What We Heard (PDF, 2.4MB)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related engagements<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"related-engagements\">\n                                    <div class=\"govtogether-engagement-card\" aria-label=\"Engagement title: Land Use Objectives Order for Howe Sound and Sea-to-Sky Area. Categories: Environmental Protection, Land and Water, Natural Resource Sector, Natural Resources, Reconciliation Initiatives. Status: Open.\">\n            <div class=\"card-header\">\n\n                <div class=\"engagement-status status-open\">\n                                            Open                                     <\/div>\n\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement\/squamish-nation-land-use-objectives-order\/\" class=\"engagement-title\">\n                        Land Use Objectives Order for Howe Sound and Sea-to-Sky Area                <\/a>\n\n                <div class=\"engagement-categories\">\n                                                                        <span class=\"category-pill\">Environmental Protection<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Land and Water<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Natural Resource Sector<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Natural Resources<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Reconciliation Initiatives<\/span>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                \n            <\/div>\n\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement\/squamish-nation-land-use-objectives-order\/\" class=\"card-image-container\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"engagement-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2026\/05\/20140620_151212-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n            <\/a>\n\n        <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"govtogether-engagement-card\" aria-label=\"Engagement title: Xwulqw&#039;selu (Koksilah) Watershed and Water Sustainability Plan. Categories: Environmental Protection, Land and Water, Reconciliation Initiatives, Wildlife and Habitat Protection. Status: Closed.\">\n            <div class=\"card-header\">\n\n                <div class=\"engagement-status status-closed\">\n                                            Closed                                     <\/div>\n\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement\/xwulqwselu-koksilah-watershed-plan\/\" class=\"engagement-title\">\n                        Xwulqw&#039;selu (Koksilah) Watershed and Water Sustainability Plan                <\/a>\n\n                <div class=\"engagement-categories\">\n                                                                        <span class=\"category-pill\">Environmental Protection<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Land and Water<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Reconciliation Initiatives<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Wildlife and Habitat Protection<\/span>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                \n            <\/div>\n\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement\/xwulqwselu-koksilah-watershed-plan\/\" class=\"card-image-container\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"engagement-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2026\/03\/Koksilahbanner.png\" \/>\n            <\/a>\n\n        <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"govtogether-engagement-card\" aria-label=\"Engagement title: Angling, Hunting, and Trapping. Categories: Economy and Jobs, Environmental Protection, Natural Resource Sector, Recreation and Tourism, Wildlife and Habitat Protection. Status: Closed.\">\n            <div class=\"card-header\">\n\n                <div class=\"engagement-status status-closed\">\n                                            Closed                                     <\/div>\n\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement\/angling-hunting-and-trapping\/\" class=\"engagement-title\">\n                        Angling, Hunting, and Trapping                <\/a>\n\n                <div class=\"engagement-categories\">\n                                                                        <span class=\"category-pill\">Economy and Jobs<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Environmental Protection<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Natural Resource Sector<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Recreation and Tourism<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Wildlife and Habitat Protection<\/span>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                \n            <\/div>\n\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement\/angling-hunting-and-trapping\/\" class=\"card-image-container\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"engagement-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2022\/12\/52020102588_38f5f124ed_o.jpg\" \/>\n            <\/a>\n\n        <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"govtogether-engagement-card\" aria-label=\"Engagement title: Kaska-B.C. Land Use Planning. Categories: Environmental Protection, Land and Water, Natural Resource Sector, Natural Resources, Reconciliation Initiatives. Status: Closed.\">\n            <div class=\"card-header\">\n\n                <div class=\"engagement-status status-closed\">\n                                            Closed                                     <\/div>\n\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement\/kaska-land-use-planning\/\" class=\"engagement-title\">\n                        Kaska-B.C. Land Use Planning                <\/a>\n\n                <div class=\"engagement-categories\">\n                                                                        <span class=\"category-pill\">Environmental Protection<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Land and Water<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Natural Resource Sector<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Natural Resources<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Reconciliation Initiatives<\/span>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                \n            <\/div>\n\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement\/kaska-land-use-planning\/\" class=\"card-image-container\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"engagement-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2025\/05\/Kaska-LUP-Ducks-sm-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n            <\/a>\n\n        <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"govtogether-engagement-card\" aria-label=\"Engagement title: CleanBC Review. Categories: CleanBC, Environmental Protection. Status: Closed with results.\">\n            <div class=\"card-header\">\n\n                <div class=\"engagement-status status-closed with results\">\n                                            Closed with results                                     <\/div>\n\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement\/cleanbcreview\/\" class=\"engagement-title\">\n                        CleanBC Review                <\/a>\n\n                <div class=\"engagement-categories\">\n                                                                        <span class=\"category-pill\">CleanBC<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Environmental Protection<\/span>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                \n            <\/div>\n\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement\/cleanbcreview\/\" class=\"card-image-container\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"engagement-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2025\/06\/CleanBC-Review-banner.jpg\" \/>\n            <\/a>\n\n        <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"govtogether-engagement-card\" aria-label=\"Engagement title: Emergency Support Services. Categories: Environmental Protection, Families and Residents. Status: Closed with results.\">\n            <div class=\"card-header\">\n\n                <div class=\"engagement-status status-closed with results\">\n                                            Closed with results                                     <\/div>\n\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement\/emergency-support-services\/\" class=\"engagement-title\">\n                        Emergency Support Services                <\/a>\n\n                <div class=\"engagement-categories\">\n                                                                        <span class=\"category-pill\">Environmental Protection<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Families and Residents<\/span>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                \n            <\/div>\n\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement\/emergency-support-services\/\" class=\"card-image-container\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"engagement-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2023\/12\/ESSBanner.png\" \/>\n            <\/a>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#top\" title=\"\">Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":2567,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","engagement_category":[212,277,272,457,282],"engagement_region":[442],"engagement_status":[47],"engagement_pin_group":[],"class_list":["post-63362","engagement","type-engagement","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","engagement_category-environmental-protection","engagement_category-land-and-water","engagement_category-natural-resources","engagement_category-timber-supply","engagement_category-wildlife-and-habitat-protection","engagement_region-skeena","engagement_status-open"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"pinned_engagement_toggle":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/engagement\/63362","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/engagement"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/engagement"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/engagement\/63362\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":87321,"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/engagement\/63362\/revisions\/87321"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2567"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=63362"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"engagement_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/engagement_category?post=63362"},{"taxonomy":"engagement_region","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/engagement_region?post=63362"},{"taxonomy":"engagement_status","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/engagement_status?post=63362"},{"taxonomy":"engagement_pin_group","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/engagement_pin_group?post=63362"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}