Sarita and Nuumaqamis Open to Bivalve harvesting

Posted on by Bjohnson

The subareas 23-4, to 23-6, and 23-10 are open to manila clams, littleneck clams, oysters and mussels only, closed to all other bivalve shellfish.

Marine Biotoxin – Toxins that are produced by certain species of naturally occurring microscopic algae that bloom under favourable conditions. Filter-feeding bivalve shellfish accumulate the toxins when they ingest toxic algae as a food source. The consumption of toxic shellfish can lead to illness and even death. The toxins do not kill the shellfish nor cause any discernible changes in the appearance, smell or taste of shellfish that would alert consumers of toxicity. As conditions (e.g., water temperature, salinity, and nutrient levels) become less favourable, the algae bloom subsides and with time, shellfish rid themselves of toxin and are once again safe to eat.

For more information on Marine Biotoxin and Sanitary Contamination Closures, go to Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

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Weather Warning for West Vancouver Island

Posted on by Bjohnson

Special weather statement in effect.

A series of powerful October storms will approach the B.C. South Coast late Wednesday night, bringing heavy rains and strong winds through the weekend.

Rainfall will be heavy at times. Total rainfall accumulations from these storms may exceed 200 mm for West and Inland areas of Vancouver Island, while Inner Coastal Regions may exceed 100 mm.

Strong winds will also accompany these storms. Winds over exposed coastal areas may exceed 80 km/h at times during these storms.

As these storms advance toward the South Coast and progress through the region, weather warnings will be issued and updated as needed.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to pacificstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports to #BCStorm.

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Public Notice of Burn Plan

Posted on by Bjohnson

HFN Forestry LP  will be conducting a burn program to burn slash piles for reforestation and hazard abatement on the N1A, K3N and Treaty Settlement Land tenures (see attached map) when weather conditions permit anytime between October 11,2016  until  December 31,2016.

The main focus areas of the burn program are:

  • Along the Bamfield Mainline at the Spencer Mainline junction
  • 5 km East of Sarita lake off the North Central Mainline
  • At 8 km along the Central Mainline
  • 4 km East of the Bamfield Mainline and Sugsaw Mainline junction
  • West of North sides of Sugsaw lake
  • South and North sides of Pachena Lake
  • 5 km of Pachena Bay off the Klanawa
  • South of Sarita lake 8km up Venn Mainline
  • Along the Bamfield Mainline at 69km
  • 1-2km Directly South of Sarita River across Bamfield mainline

Weather conditions need to be ideal in order to carry out the burn to ensure that the smoke does not create hardships on any people or wildlife in the vicinity. Optimum burning conditions are also needed to reduce the chance of a fire’s escape. This means that the burn program may take place over multiple days spread throughout the time period stated above.

Burning of piles is an important part of reforestation of Huu ay aht Lands as these areas occupy plantable spots that are replanted once burning is completed. The burning treatment is also important in removing potential fire hazards within the tenures. Burning is not done without all risk considered as Resource Managers need to have a sound understanding of fire behavior and its short/long term effects on the environment.

Contact Information:

Jillian Schochter

Phone: 250-586-0200

View this notice as a PDF – Burn Plan Public Notice 2016

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Shellfish closure in Huu-ay-aht Territory

Posted on by heathersthomson

Effective immediately there is a harvest prohibition for all bivalve shellfish in Subarea 23-4 (as announced in DFO Fishery Notice FN1061-Bivalve Shellfish: Marine Biotoxin – Update for Area 23 – Sept 30, 2016.

The product may be contaminated given the deviance from the sampling requirements established under the biotoxin monitoring program.

Subareas 23-3, 23-5, 23-6 and 23-10 open to manila clams, littleneck clams, oysters and mussels only, closed to all other bivalve shellfish; Subareas 23-5, 23-8, 23-9 and 23-10 are also open to geoduck and horse clams. These areas are closed to all other bivalve shellfish; Balance of Area 23 closed to all bivalve shellfish.

Anyone planning to harvest locally should check for updates immediately prior to doing so either online at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/contamination/biotox/index-eng.html or by calling Natural Resources in the Anacla Office.

See details at: Fishery Notice – Bi-valve closure

Huu-ay-aht First Nations Opposes UBCM Old-Growth Resolution

Posted on by heathersthomson

robert-dennis-mugAs a First Nation on Vancouver Island, the Huu-ay-aht First Nations must object to a resolution made yesterday by the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) concerning the banning of old-growth logging on Vancouver Island. As stewards of our lands for generations, the Huu-ay-aht First Nations is troubled by Resolution C27, which takes away from our legal and historic right and responsibility to manage our lands and resources as our hereditary leaders and duly-elected government see fit.

The modern treaty, the Maa-nulth Final Agreement, grants to the Huu-ay-aht: self-government, ownership of its own lands and resources, a stewardship role on Crown lands within Huu-ay-aht territory, as well as a Crown forestry tenure. The Huu-ay-aht First Nations also holds a seat with the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District. As a result, we also fully-participate in the proceedings of UBCM. We are disappointed in the lack of consultation and full debate on the matter, as well as the means by which it was brought up and passed in short order.

“As First Nations, we are stewards of the forestry resources on our lands,” says Chief Councillor Robert J. Dennis Sr. of the Huu-ay-aht, “and in Huu-ay-aht territory, our forestry is not only sustainable but guided by three sacred principles: ʔiisaak (greater respect), Hišuk ma c̓awak (everything is one), and ʔuuʔałuk (taking care of present and future generations).”

While we understand that there are and will be First Nations communities that oppose the harvesting of old-growth on Vancouver Island, we would like to point out that it is the responsibility of First Nations and the Provincial Government to consult on and manage Crown lands and not that of local governments.

“Environmental groups do not speak for us on forestry issues,” Chief-Councillor Dennis continues, “I would have hoped local governments would realize that sustainable forestry begins with consultation and accommodation of First Nations’ interests. A unilateral and one-size-fits-all resolution calling on the Province to ban old-growth harvest on our traditional territory is completely unacceptable.”

While delegates of the UBCM may now urge the Provincial Government to take action based on this resolution regarding halting harvest of old-growth timber, the Huu-ay-aht First Nations will insist that the Province continue its practice of respecting our right and responsibility to manage our lands according to our ancient principles and modern, sustainable methods.