The District of Houston and Dungate Community Forests are seeking more timber to support the community.
“We are going to ask for another 10,000 cubic metres for Dungate Community Forests,” said Houston Mayor Shane Brienen.
“Community Forests puts money back into the community… to community groups and to the District of Houston.”
Brienen says they are advocating for this increase to help with the transition after the closure of Houston Forest Products last year.
The Annual Allowable Cut (AAC) in the Morice Timber Supply Area dropped 11 percent on March 16 this year.
The AAC is now 1.9 million cubic metres, instead of 2.133 million cubic metres.
That 1.9 million cubic metres of timber gets split between all the licencees and logging businesses.
Typically they all drop proportionally, but there is opportunity for licensees to seek more timber rights, Brienen said.
Brienen says the District of Houston will send a letter to the Ministry of Forests this month requesting 10,000 cubic metres more timber for Dungate Community Forests.
They are also advocating for small scale salvage to maintain 30,000 cubic metres.
“It gives a chance for the small operators to have timber available to them,” Brienen said.
“They employ people and buy most things locally. While small, it generates lots for the local economy.”