A Crowther Road resident in the Okeover Inlet area has expressed concerns about logging operations by Mosaic Forest Management taking place in her neighbourhood.
In correspondence to the Peak, Diane Moore stated that she was writing regarding activities of a large forestry company currently preparing to log in a residential area north of Powell River.
“Mosaic Forest Management has begun logging road construction in the Okeover area, with logging to follow,” stated Moore. “Signs have now been posted along Crowther Road and on Malaspina Road warning of blasting during the construction. Some of the logging will take place along the area of the Sunshine Coast Trail, and the larger areas will be immediately adjacent to Crowther Road.
“Crowther Road is a residential road, with houses on the downside of the upslope that is to be logged. The ministry of transportation and infrastructure has given Mosaic a permit to construct secondary (spur) roads from Crowther Road for logging truck access. The accessibility of Crowther Road is critical for residents at all times as it is the only access road for the area.”
Moore stated that danger to residents and road users resulting from ongoing logging activity is of paramount importance in the event of falling rocks or landslides, with potentially life-threatening consequences.
“Perhaps, just as important, would be the negative impacts after the logging is finished,” stated Moore. “Issues such as road damage and excess rainwater runoff, the quality of residential well water, and the viability of shellfish culture along the edge of Okeover Inlet could be problematic for many months and years in the future.
“Why would Mosaic choose to log on steep terrain in close proximity to a residential area when they own 600,000 hectares of land in BC?”
In correspondence to the premier, government representatives, regional directors and Mosaic Forest Management dated July 21, Moore stated that Mosaic Forest Management has now advised some residents of Crowther Road that it is considering logging the portion of their land directly above and along Crowther Road.
“This is very steep terrain with a base of fractured rock on the upside of the road, and residential housing on the downside of the road,” stated Moore. “Residents along the road are very concerned regarding environmental and safety issues caused by erosion, rockfall potential and impacts on well water and water supply. All residents and users are also greatly concerned by the possibility of active logging along this steep, narrow, gravel road.”
According to a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section of a fact sheet prepared by Mosaic, road construction activities will begin in the fall of 2024 and harvesting activities will follow. These activities have been scheduled outside of the busy summer tourist season to minimize disruptions, according to the FAQs.
“Road construction activities will take several weeks,” stated Mosaic. “Harvesting activities will follow and will also take several weeks. Completion dates for both are planned for before spring 2025, weather dependent.
The FAQ section stated that traffic delays may occur next to Crowther Road.
“These may be up to 15 minutes long to ensure we can manage public safety adjacent to active operations,” stated Mosaic. “We will make every effort to minimize disruptions and delays and provide access to emergency vehicles.”
According to the FAQ section, the entire harvest area is second-growth forest and consists of several small harvest units.
“Our professional foresters, biologists and engineers have designed the area taking into consideration safety, terrain, hydrology, visual quality, wildlife, fisheries and much more,” stated Mosaic. “The harvest area is composed of several small openings and will include prescriptions for tree retention throughout.
“Approximately 1.5 times the harvest area adjacent to Crowther Road will be retained as mature forest. Operations will follow prescriptions designed by professionals to ensure values in the area are professionally managed.”
Operational activities will occur on weekdays between 7 am and 5 pm on Mosaic’s private managed forest land. The primary contractor will be Thichum Forest Products, which is owned by Tla’amin Nation.
Traffic control personnel will help ensure safety is managed with all operational activities and public access, stated Mosaic.
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