April 2018 Fuel Thinning Update
Wildfire fuel thinning projects have begun in the following locations:
- The Cemetery and Alpine Meadows – access points to the project sites in these two areas are closed for final clean up, including minimal burning. Please obey signs and crews. Smoke may be visible in these areas, but does not need to be reported.
- Callaghan Forest Service Road – thinning will be taking place alongside the road up to approximately the 5 km mark. Watch for equipment; obey all signs and crew members.
Fuel Thinning Project Update
In October 2017, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) continued its wildfire management program with two fuel thinning projects on 6.2 hectares above the Whistler Cemetery and 15 hectares above the Alpine Meadows subdivision. Final site clean-up and pile burning will occur in spring 2018 once snow conditions allow. Burning will occur under permitted conditions as directed by the province. The areas are within the Cheakamus Community Forest, and the work will be managed by the community forest’s operating partner, Lil’wat Forestry Ventures.
The municipality was awarded funding of $300,000 for the Alpine Meadows project and $100,000 for the Whistler Cemetery project through the Union of BC Municipalities’ Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative.
Access for the Whistler Cemetery project is through the cemetery road system. The area is bounded by the Whip Me Snip Me and Rainbow hiking trails. The Alpine Meadows site is accessed from the end of Alpine Way. The area is bounded by Rick’s Roost trail to the first switchback and an approximately 100 m setback above 19 Mile Creek.
Cheakamus Lake Road Fuel Thinning 2018
The Resort Municipality of Whistler and the Cheakamus Community Forest (CCF) will partner on a fuel thinning project along the Cheakamus Lake Road starting in 2018. One hundred and thirty hectares along either side of the road have been identified for thinning. The goal is to thin 50 hectares at the far end of the road in 2018 and work toward the highway in 2019. The RMOW and CCF are working with WORCA to ensure trails in the area are taken into consideration, and with BC Parks to reduce disruption to the Cheakamus Lake Trail parking lot as the road will need to be closed periodically to allow for efficient and safe working conditions. Cheakamus Wildfire Planning Map
On a related topic, the CCF has deferred harvesting plans on Cheakamus01 above the Cheakamus Lake Road for 2018. The CCF will discuss the site further with WORCA and the public before making a final decision. For more information, visit the CCF website at: http://www.cheakamuscommunityforest.com/maps-and-harvesting-plans/(link is external)
