B.C. grants new forest licence to local First Nation

WESTBANK – The Province has awarded a replaceable forest licence to Westbank First Nation, a move that will enhance economic and employment opportunities in the area, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson announced Dec. 3 at a signing ceremony in Westbank.

The licence covers approximately 9,000 hectares of Crown land within the Derickson Trapline, a 16,000-hectare area in the West Kettle River area, encompassing Two John Lake, Derickson Lake, Mount Moore, Jubilee Mountain and St. Margaret Lake. The area is historically significant to the band, and is home to traditional marten trap lines.

This new licence gives Westbank First Nation the right to harvest up to 32,400 cubic metres of timber a year, and has an initial 15-year term.