The Lower Nicola Indian Band Development Corporation (LNIBDC) has completed wildfire risk reduction treatments in the Steffens Estates subdivision, north of the Lower Nicola Indian Band’s Mameet Indian Reserve #1, approximately 17 kilometres north of the city of Merritt, B.C. The project, which combined harvesting and post-harvest fuel reduction treatments, was conducted by crews from Shulus Forest Enterprises LP, the forestry division of the LNIBDC, with assistance from Forsite Consultants Ltd. (Forsite) and funding support from the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC). The work will help reduce wildfire risk to communities, enhance forest resilience, and maintain critical wildlife features while generating significant economic and employment opportunities for the LNIBDC.

“Our natural resources are a significant part of who we are as First Nations people, and our connection to the land is important,” shared kʷúkʷpiʔ Stuart Jackson of the Lower Nicola Indian Band. “When we have the opportunity to lead the way in forestry work and our members have the opportunity to do the work, we collectively experience significant and positive environmental, economic, and social outcomes as a society. We are grateful to the Forest Enhancement Society of BC for the investment and the opportunity to work in collaboration.”

The Steffens Estates area, which borders private land and residences, was identified with a high fuel hazard rating and, therefore, posed an increased wildfire risk in the area. To mitigate this potential threat to local communities, recreational areas, and important infrastructure and transportation corridors, crews took a proactive approach by reducing the forest fuel load, or flammable material like dead trees and other woody debris on the forest floor.

“This area went through a very aggressive harvesting program initially, which helped open up the forest crowns (or tree tops), and was followed up by a wildfire risk reduction project, funded by FESBC,” shared Don Gossoo, general manager for the LNIBDC.

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Better protecting communities and forests: Wildfire risk reduction project completed near Merritt, B.C.