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August 6, 2010 Peachland, BC
Volume 06 | Number 31
Kelowna-Westside
An independent member broker
Workers prepare for concrete work along the Beach Avenue walkway.
Photo Joanne Layh
Fuel reduction work underway in Trepanier Creek area By Joanne Layh
Residents in Central Okanagan West and Peachland are going to be a little bit safer, thanks to a fuel management project that is underway now. Fuel management work is taking place within the Westbank First Nation (WFN) Community Forest that includes an area adjacent to the District of Peachland, through the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area and District of West Kelowna to approximately Traders Cove. The project extends over 23 hectares along the Trepanier Creek area. The fuel reduction partnership is the result of a cooperative effort between the Regional District of Central Okana-
gan (RDCO) and WFN. “We’re working with WFN on this because we were able to access the grant money through the federal community adjustment fund and we’ve been working with them to identify areas that need to be treated and have the fuel reduced. It’s a good partnership between the two governments,” RDCO communications coordinator Bruce Smith said. The grant money comes from the Canada Economic Action Plan, which provided more than $166,000 in community adjustment funds to the RDCO for completion of this work. Earlier this year, the RDCO accessed another $40,000 in community adjustment funds for a similar
fuel management treatment over 12 hectares in the WFN Community Forest, adjacent to the Trepanier Forest Service Road, north-west of the Okanagan Connector overpass. Work on the current project began in the week of July 19. A six-person crew contracted by the WFN’s forest management department Heartland Economics has been busy falling, spacing and pruning trees in this high priority section just south of Trepanier Creek. An abundance of fuel can contribute to the spread and severity of any fire. By removing dead and dying trees, thinning the forest understory and pruning ladder fuels, officials hope to make the area just a little less at
risk. The risk of wildfire in the area is presently so high that on some days workers are unable to operate chainsaws because of the threat a spark might pose. Smith says work will finish up in late September, though that time frame may be extended if the fire hazard and danger rating affects the crew’s ability to safely work in the forest. No burning will take place. Instead, all fuel materials will be chipped and removed from the site. Signs have been posted and neighbours and recreation groups have been advised to be aware of periodic, short closures of unsanctioned trails through the forest
as trees are cut, spaced, pruned and cleaned up. “This partnership with the Westbank First Nation is an excellent example of our governments working together to improve the safety and security of all our residents. We look forward to completing this and other joint forest fuel mitigation projects and encourage everyone to do what they can to make their properties Fire Smart,” Regional District Chair Robert Hobson says. For WFN forestry manager Grant Thompson the project is not only about safety, but is also about preserving the value of the forest. “This fuel management project is a demonstration of WFN’s commitment to manage the Westbank First Na-
tion Community Forest for multiple values over a very long time. These values include timber, water, wildlife, recreation, traditional uses, visuals and protection from wildfire. Projects such as these will ensure that all Okanagan residents will be able to enjoy and benefit from of our forests for many years to come.” The mitigation work being carried out this year covers only two of 20 areas identified for priority fuel treatments in the WFN tenured area and wild land urban interface adjacent to the District of Peachland, Central Okanagan West Electoral Area and District of West Kelowna. A multi-year plan is in place to treat the remaining identified areas.
Peachland Johnston Meier and is one of our Commercial & Business Insurance experts. She helps many people with their business insurance needs, as well as their home and autoplan insurance. If you are looking for a knowledgeable and experienced broker for your business insurance requirements, please call or stop by to speak with Carolyn.
5878C Beach Avenue, Peachland, BC 1-877-767-2510 767-2500