ATCO Proposed Logging 2021
UPDATE (June 2021):
- Atco has informed the community they are planning to start harvesting CP 269 Block 1 June 7th, 2021. (NOTE: The designated number for the Block has been changed from Block R10 to Block R1 now.)
- Final maps of cut block R1 are posted below, with the area for the Elk Wallow being enlarged to 2ha. Final Site Plans are below.
Cut Block R1 in Glade watershed
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Cut block R1 is located in Glade watershed in the north east. Cut block R1 will be the first of further clear cut blocks in the Glade watershed, according to an Atco representative (Community Meeting 2015).
The block is located, according to the map provided, nestled between and above North Glade Creek and another unnamed creek that feed into the north fork tributary which in turn leads to Glade Irrigation District's water intake lower down. The deep green colour that appears in the google map designates this block as some of the most mature timber in the watershed. An elk wallow is a significant feature in this Block. Originally Atco had a smaller buffer around the elk wallow, even though current Forestry regulations state no buffer at all is necessary, which would've made the wallow essentially useless (!) After discussion, Atco enlarged this buffer to 2 ha. (almost 5 acres). Whether or not it will still be used by the animals has yet to be determined. The forest that they would have walked through to get to the elk wallow will be gone, and the temperature inside the remaining forest will likely increase due to drying winds and heat exposure from the open areas. Elk wallows play a significant role in elk habitat, they are moist areas that are used by bull elk to attract females. The elk wallow in Block R1 appears to be fed by a spring, so it is likely a long standing feature in that landscape. Besides possibly changing the structure of the elk wallow, changing the access to the wallow, it is now easily accessible to hunters, adding another layer of vulnerability to a long-used habitat feature. 
The elk wallow is large, as seen here.
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Elk Wallow, pic taken 2017 on Atco field day to Block R10.
Elk wallow; Glade Consumptive Use Watershed 2017
Elk kill.
(Used w/out permission, identifying marks removed)
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Google Earth image provided by ATCO showing the proposed cut block R1. Notice the deep green forest cover in the Glade watershed. Surrounding the watershed to the top and right are clear cuts and roads already made by Kalesnikoff Lumber Company in Rover Creek area. The red lines are planned roads.
The right side picture close up shows the density and green of the intact forest.
The right side picture close up shows the density and green of the intact forest.
Atco Draft map for Cut block R1, small elk wallow buffer. 2017
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Atco Final map for cut block R1, with enlarged buffer for elk wallow. (Sept 2018)
This block will be accessed via OConner and the Rover Creek road system, already extensively used by Kalesnikoff to access Blewett blocks. There has been extensive logging and road building throughout the Blewett watershed. The proposed road to cut block R10 will allow greater access into our watershed from the Rover Creek/ Blewett area. In 2000 to 2001, ATCO logged 4 cut blocks in the south-east of Glade watershed. One of their cut blocks is shown as a yellow area at the bottom of the map. LEFT: ATCO's cutting boundaries shown with a wider black line. The arbitrary straight edge on the left is where it meets Kalesnikoff's boundary. Cutblock R1 is shown (pale purple) in the NE part of the watershed. |
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PAST Logging by ATCO in Glade Watershed. (2000) The aqua blue line is the approximate watershed boundary. All blocks are within the watershed boundary and between the dark blue South Fork tributary the goes into Glade Creek. The road originates from the Bombi Pass and goes through Erie Creek/ Granite area that is heavily logged with more to come. |
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FOREST STEWARDSHIP PLAN Sept, 2017
Address: ATCO Wood Products, PO Box 460, Fruitvale,BC V0G 1L0
ATCO 5 YEAR FOREST STEWARDSHIP PLAN 2017..."...undertake to comply..."
Proposed Plans 2018:
Final Logging Plan Map
Final Site Plan
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Final Harvest Plan
Final Site Plan Map
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