A Forest Stewardship Plan describes the strategies and results that will be applied on the Plan area to ensure consistency with the objectives set by government for critical forest values.

A Forest Stewardship Plan shows what land will be managed. Blocks or roads are not shown on the plan: instead, the FSP provides strategies and results that describe what will be done so that forest values (fish, wildlife, water, soils, timber, biodiversity, cultural heritage, and visual quality) are managed. As long as the strategies and results are followed, work can go ahead.

The plan has to be approved by the Ministry of Forests. The actual work in the forest is also reviewed by the Ministry of Forests to check that the plan is followed.

Kitsumkalum’s Traditional Use Study plays an important role in the FSP. The TUS was researched and recorded by the Tsimshian First Nations communities of Kitsumkalum and Kitselas. The study documents all places of cultural importance in the territories. Places like fishing spots, plant gathering locations, and hunting grounds were marked on maps and recorded in computer databases for future reference. More places of importance included places with names, special histories and past and present village locations.

When we are made aware of a group’s desire to use land or resources in the traditional territory, we can refer to the TUS information to help us decide how to respond to their requests.

KVL’s FSP has been conducted to ensure that KVL has a better understanding of Kitsumkalum’s territories in order to carry out responsible forestry practices by respecting and preserving the rich histories of the Tsimshian First Nation.

Rick Brouwer (left) and Lyle Bolton celebrating the approval of Kalum Ventures' FSP July 2006

 In July of 2005 KVL’s Forest Stewardship Plan (FSP) was approved by the BC Ministry of Forests. The process of obtaining this approval began with the help of Northwest Timberlands, a local forest consultant.

“I have really enjoyed the challenge of writing this FSP,” says Northwest Timberlands’ Rick Brauwer, the Professional Forester who prepared the FSP for Kalum Ventures.

 “Much of the challenge focused on ensuring that the traditional heritage of the Kitsumkalum is recognized and addressed, while creating a FSP that would allow Kalum Ventures to conduct forest operations that are consistent with the Kalum Land and Resource Management Plan and the new Forest Range and Practices Act.

I was also very encouraged by the many people at Kitsumkalum, in the local community, and in the government agencies that want to see Kalum Ventures succeed. Their efforts really helped this planning process work smoothly.”

 The FSP covers the traditional territory of Kitsumkalum, and applies to forest management under two forest tenures awarded to Kitsumkalum as part of a Forest and Range Agreement between the Government of BC and the Kitsumkalum First Nation.

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