LUMBY - Over a thousand hectares of forest near Mabel Lake are being opened up for logging, Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster announced today.

The woodlot includes 1,138 hectares about 20 kilometres north of Lumby, with an allowable annual cut of 3,600 cubic metres.

"Expanding the woodlot licence program is good for smaller communities like Lumby and will provide local employment opportunities," Foster said.

There are about 860 active woodlots in British Columbia, and they are usually awarded for 20 years at a time.

"Woodlots create employment, support local forestry businesses and mills, and promote enhanced silviculture and stewardship of our forests," said Minister of Forests Steve Thomson. "We are working to diversify the forest sector by increasing the role for small tenure holders in British Columbia."

Brian McNaughton, general manager of the Federation of B.C. Woodlot Associations says he's pleased about the government's expansion of the woodlot program.

"Each new woodlot licence contributes to the local economy by creating direct and indirect jobs, and by providing a source of wood for local milling and manufacturing," McNaughton said.

Applications and further details are available online.

News from © iNFOnews, 2013

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