Reducing the possible threat of wildfire is the goal of a partnership project underway in the Trepanier Creek area of the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO). The fuel management work is a cooperative effort between the Regional District and Westbank First Nation (WFN) on just over 23-hectares within the Westbank First Nation Community Forest that includes an area adjacent to the District of Peachland, through the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area and District of West Kelowna to approximately Traders Cove. A six-person crew contracted by the WFN’s forest management department Heartland Economics began falling, spacing and pruning trees in this high priority section just south of Trepanier Creek during the week of July 19th. It’s expected their work will wrap up by late September, but may be extended if the fire hazard and danger rating affects the crew’s ability to safely work in the forest. All fuel materials will be chipped and removed from the site. No burning will take place. Signs have been posted and neighbours and recreation groups have been advised to be aware of periodic, short closures of unsanctioned trails through the 23.75-hectare forest as trees are cut, spaced, pruned and cleaned up.
The Regional District and Westbank First Nation recognize the importance of this work in reducing the future potential for fire in this area by removing dead and dying trees, thinning the forest under story and pruning ladder fuels, all of which can contribute to the spread and severity of any fire. “This partnership with the Westbank First Nation is an excellent example of our governments working together to improve the safety and security of all our residents," says Regional District Chair Robert Hobson. "We look forward to completing this and other joint forest fuel mitigation projects and encourage everyone to do what they can to make their properties Fire Smart.” Westbank First Nation Forestry Manager, Grant Thompson, says the project is a demonstration of WFN’s commitment to manage the Westbank First Nation Community Forest for multiple values over a very long time. "These values include timber, water, wildlife, recreation, traditional uses, visuals and protection from wildfire. Projects such as these will ensure that all Okanagan residents will be able to enjoy and benefit from of our forests for many years to come," says Thompson.
The Canada Economic Action Plan is providing more than $166,000 in Community Adjustment Funds to the Regional District of Central Okanagan for completion of this work. This is the second cooperative joint RDCO-Westbank First Nation forest fuel reduction project this year. In March, similar fuel management treatments were done on approximately 12-hectares in the WFN Community Forest, adjacent to the Trepanier Forest Service Road, north-west of the Okanagan Connector overpass. Almost $40,000 in Federal Community Adjustment Funds was provided to the Regional District for this work.
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Funded Projects: British Columbia (excerpts below)
| Recipient | Project Description | WD Funding | Total Funding | Project Completed |
|---|
| Regional District of Central Okanagan | Support fuel management program | $ 235,000 | $ 302,875 | |
| Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen | Support wildfire risk reduction and fuel management | $ 1,732,749 | $ 1,732,749 |
| Vernon Science and Discovery Society | Develop science centre program and restore facade | $ 86,430 | $ 129,000 | |
| Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce | Replace and upgrade tourist visitor information centre | $ 706,192 | $ 1,512,384 |
What is the Community Adjustment Fund?
The Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) is providing $1 billion over two years to address the short-term economic needs of Canadian communities impacted by the global recession. This national economic stimulus initiative supports projects that create jobs and maintain employment in and around communities that have experienced significant job losses and lack alternative employment opportunities. Launched in May 2009, CAF is part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada's plan to help ensure a quick recovery from the current economic downturn. By focusing on the creation of short-term employment to support communities and the sectors that contribute to their viability, CAF will play a distinctive role in relation to other economic stimulus measures included in Canada’s Economic Action Plan. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is delivering the fund in the four western provinces, investing $306 million to help communities reduce the short-term impacts of the economic downturn. The primary goal of CAF is immediate job creation. All projects funded under CAF must be completed by March 31, 2011
The deadline for submitting an application to Western Economic Diversification Canada for program funding has passed.
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