Peachland Watershed Protection Alliance

B’s Watershed Watch Update May 6, 2026

Barb Haley, Watershed Watch Chair

My Observations

Date: May 6, 2026 @ 1030

Area: Munro Lake FSR

Temperature: 18C

Weather: High overcast

Wind: Breezy

Visibility: Excellent

Conditions: Summer-like, and sooooo dry…..

Observations: Do you know what is going on in YOUR backyard, in YOUR WATERSHED??

You should…..you should see what is going on and be ASKING QUESTIONS….. If no one notices, and asks the questions, then nothing changes. Things keep geting worse until it is too late.

I’m here to show you pictures and hopefully inspire you go check it out for yourself. If being on Stage 3 Watering Restrictions this early doesn’t get you up in the hills then I guess we’re in more trouble than I thought….

I found this with a little bit of digging on the internet. What I need to find is whose cut-blocks these are and what they said they were going to be doing out here….

Post-wildfire salvage logging rules:

Particularly in British Columbia, aim to harvest fire-damaged timber before deterioration while balancing ecosystem recovery and safety. Key regulations include mandatory environmental assessments (hydrological/wildlife), collaborative planning with First Nations, and strict riparian management guidelines.

Key Rules and Management Guidelines

  • Timing: Salvage logging generally occurs within 2–3 years post-fire, as Douglas-fir and other species lose economic value for sawlogs after that period.
  • Riparian Protection: Best practices suggest avoiding salvage in riparian areas, especially within 1000m of community water supplies.
  • Harvesting Techniques: Operations should ideally occur over frozen ground or in winter to minimize soil compaction and erosion.
  • Wildlife Trees: Large burnt trees and surviving green trees are recommended to be left for ecological habitat.
  • Licenses & Approval: Companies must have approved forest stewardship plans, and in BC, specialized “Wildfire Salvage Opportunity Agreements” allow for rapid development.
  • Stumpage Discounts: In BC, reduced “stumpage” fees (taxes) may apply to encourage the removal of charred timber.

Environmental Considerations
Research suggests that while salvage logging can enhance natural regeneration in some areas by exposing soil, it does not necessarily improve the growth of new trees and can add stress in high-severity burn areas.

….Something to think about right?