Comments invited on proposed LAVA harvest areas
September 4, 2025
Squamish Community Forest is seeking public review and comment on six proposed blocks (LAVA1, LAVA4, LAVA5, LAVA9, LAVA11, LAVA13) and associated roads in the Mamquam River/ Lava flow area, between Mamquam River and Ring Creek. The proposed blocks and roads are presented in Forest Operations Map (FOM) #2524, which is open for comment for a 30-day period from August 29, 2025, to September 28, 2025.
The FOM can be viewed at https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects, and by searching for FOM# 2524 or FOM Holder Squamish Community Forest, using the ‘Find’ function. The FOM can also be made available for in-person viewing during regular business hours (Monday to Friday from 9:00am-3:00pm) at Chartwell Resource Group Ltd.’s office at #201 – 1121 Commercial Place, Squamish BC, V8B 0S5.
Comments can be submitted anytime during the 30-day period through the FOM online portal at https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects, e-mailed to SquamishCF.FOM@gmail.com, or mailed to the address noted above. Please reference the FOM ID when submitting comments.
Following the review and comment period, this FOM may be relied upon to apply for a Road Permit or Cutting Permit within a 3-year period, ending August 28, 2028.
Overview
The proposed blocks (LAVA1, LAVA4, LAVA5, LAVA9, LAVA11, LAVA13) are accessed from 3.5km along the Mamquam River Forest Service Road (FSR) via existing roads, including Powerhouse Springs Road, MAM1150 forestry road and Ring Creek South FSR.
The blocks consist of second growth coniferous forest that is approximately 70-75 years old, on gentle slopes. They range in size from 0.6 hectares (ha) to 7.8ha, for a total of 23.8ha. The blocks will be harvested from existing roads which require minor upgrades and maintenance and from sections of proposed roads which will require new construction.
One objective of the harvest design was to locate cutblocks adjacent to the existing privately owned hydro electric transmission (Tx) line, to reduce the potential for wildfire ignition from tree fall down hitting the live line, by removing trees within 60m of the Tx line right-of-way.
Pending issuance of permits from the BC Ministry of Forests and status of markets, the Community Forest aims to begin road work and harvest as early as late October 2025 through early 2026.
The forestry activities would take place under Community Forest Agreement K5Y licence (CFA K5Y) and be consistent with the CFA K5Y Forest Stewardship Plan (FSP #970) and Management Plan.
An information summary, overview map and block maps can be viewed at the links below, as well as in the FOM online portal: