November 1, 2024
NAKUSP, BC: The Nakusp and Area Community Forest (NACFOR) has taken a proactive, leadership role in wildfire risk reduction, coordinating and implementing critical planning and mitigation efforts for the Nakusp region. Since 2019, NACFOR has treated 12 key areas around Nakusp to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire, helping to protect infrastructure and other valued community assets.
Over the past decade, wildfire risk reduction efforts have intensified in response to the rising threat of wildfires near rural communities. In 2017 NACFOR, in collaboration with the Regional District of Central Kootenay and the Village of Nakusp developed a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) to address wildfire risks. The CWPP identifies a community-scale fuel break designed to protect critical values and infrastructure in the Wildland-Urban Interface and Village of Nakusp.
In 2021, the BC Community Forest Association (BCCFA) provided NACFOR with funding through the province’s Economic Recovery Initiative under the Crown Land Wildfire Risk Reduction program. This funding helped NACFOR to develop a comprehensive treatment plan and prescription for Unit 5 (Wensley Creek Recreation Area), located east of Nakusp. This area has important residential, recreational, infrastructure, industry, and riparian values, making it a high priority for wildfire risk reduction.
NACFOR was 1 of 15 community forests across the province supported by this initiative, which completed 45 wildfire risk reduction projects in rural BC communities. Led by the BC Community Forest Association (BCCFA) in collaboration with BC Wildfire Service from 2021-2023, this initiative included wildfire treatments, future work prescriptions, prescribed and cultural burns, and data collection for inventory and analysis. The initiative achieved strong outcomes creating local jobs and building capacity for wildfire risk reduction efforts.
For NACFOR, the funded prescription for a treatment unit in the Wildland-Urban Interface is essential. “Unit 5, identified as a priority in the CWPP is a key component of the planned treatment buffer around the community. Treatment is necessary to reduce significant ground and ladder fuels within a high use recreational area. Phase 1 of Unit 5’s treatment is expected to be substantially complete by November 30, 2024,” says Mike Crone, NACFOR General Manager.
The fuel management prescription considered multiple objectives based on values regulated under the Forest and Range Practices Act including riparian management, domestic water licences and licenced water works, soil disturbance related to roads, soil stability, wildlife, biodiversity, recreation use, visuals, and archaeological and cultural heritage protection. NACFOR worked closely with the Arrow Lakes Cross Country Ski Club (ALCCSC) which maintains a network of trails throughout the project area.
The treatment approach varied by objectives and terrain. In sensitive areas such as a 15.8-hectare area with buried waterlines and watershed catchment areas hand treatments were used to reduce understory and fine fuels. In less sensitive areas, full crown separation and machine treatments were used in a 15.6-hectare area. Roads and trails constructed within the machine treatment area have now been incorporated into the ALCCSC trail network.
Given the proximity to domestic watersheds and water licensees, NACFOR prioritized community consultation and engagement to ensure the project aligned with community values and provincial legislation. Funding from the BCCFA’s Economic Recovery Initiative enabled NACFOR to meet regulatory obligations, engage the public and fulfill community needs.
“With high-intensity wildfires becoming more frequent, addressing excessive forest fuel loading is essential to protect BC communities. Without sustained funding and investment in community-led wildfire preparedness and prevention we cannot implement the large-scale measures needed to safeguard our forests and communities,” says Mike.
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For more information and a summary report of the Economic Recovery Initiative program visit the BCCFA Website.
Contact Info (BCCFA)
Carly Dow, BCCFA Manager of Communications & Outreach
cdow@bccfa.ca
204-223-6962
Contact Info (NACFOR)
Mike Crone, NACFOR General Manager
info@nakuspcommunityforest.com
250-265-3603
