Amendments to the Woodlot Licence Forest Management Regulation

February 26, 2001

Course Outline

• The course will go through the Woodlot Licence Forest Management Regulation and discuss the significant amendments that have been made in the order they appear in the regulation.

• Feel free to ask questions or provide comments at any time.

How to use the WLFMR

• A fast way to find the relevant sections of the WLFMR on a particular subject is to use the Edit / Find function in Microsoft Word to search the regulation.

• Although the WLFMR provides most of the WL requirements it is always important to look to the FPC Act for additional requirements.

WLFMR Definitions

• Definitions of words or terms that appear throughout the WLFMR are found in section 1.

• Additional definitions that appear in only one Part of the WLFMR are found in section 39 (Roads) and section 74 (Silviculture).

• Section 82 defines terms related to tree seed and “vegetative material”.

Amended WLFMR Definitions

• The following definitions in section 1(1) of the WLFMR have been amended:–fisheries sensitive zone–free growing date–greened-up– intermediate cuttings–minor harvesting operations–stocking requirements–terrain stability field assessment

Minor Harvesting Operations The definition of “minor harvesting

operations” now makes reference to the term “5 year allowable cut” as defined in the Forest Act.

The “5 year allowable cut” is the total of the AAC’s that are approved for a 5 year cut control period and does not consider undercut carry forwards or overcutting in the previous cut control period.

Minor Harvesting Operation Examples

•AAC remains constant at 1200 m3/year during a “5 year cut control period”, what volume of “minor harvesting operations” can occur in the “5 year cut control period”?

Answer: 10% of 6000m3 = 600m3•If the WL holder was granted a 2000m3 “undercut carry forward” and the AAC remains constant at 1200 m3/year during the “5 year cut control period”, what volume of “minor harvesting operations” can occur in the “5 year cut control period”?

Answer: 600 m3

Qualified Registered Professional

The term “qualified registered professional” is defined as a person who:

• has appropriate education and experience to carry out duties that require a “qualified registered professional”,

• and is licensed by a regulatory body in BC (i.e. PEng, RPF, PAg, PGeo).

Functions Requiring a Qualified Registered Professional

• “terrain stability field assessments” and “soil erosion field assessments”

• measures to maintain slope stability and statements in road layout and designs

• measures to maintain water quality and in road layout and designs

• deactivation prescriptions on sites with moderate or high “likelihood of landslides”

• statements that road construction, modification or deactivation was completed as planned

Amended Definitions that Apply in the FPC Act and WLFMR

The following definitions in section 1(2) of the WLFMR have been amended or added:

•“dispersed disturbance”•“stocking requirements”•“temporary access structure”

These definitions apply to the FPC Act and the WLFMR.

Dispersed Disturbance

The definition of dispersed disturbance has been modified to confirm that ruts, gouges, scalps, and repeated machine traffic associated with “temporary access structures” are considered to be “soil disturbance” on areas covered by site plans, even if the “temporary access structures” have been rehabilitated.

Stocking Requirements

The term “stocking requirements” is defined two different ways:

for areas covered by a silviculture prescription using the stocking specifications described in section 22.1(3)(e)and (f) of the WLFMR

for areas where there is no silviculture prescription using the stocking specifications described in sections 77 and 78 of the WLFMR

Temporary Access Structures

Silviculture prescriptions are required to indicate the maximum proportion of the “net area to be reforested” that may be occupied by “temporary access structures”.

The term “temporary access structure” is used in the FPC Act and in the new WLFMR section 22.1 that defines content requirements for silviculture prescriptions.

WLFMR Section 3 - Application WLFMR applies to WL holders and

anyone working for them on the WL area or a road permit that is issued to the WL holder and provides access to the WL.

The FRR, OPR, SPR, and THPR do not apply to WL holders.

If a DM is responsible to prepare a backlog SP or SMP on a WL, the WLFMR requirements apply to the DM.

Additional FDP Exemptions WLFMR section 6.1 allows the DM to

exempt a WL holder from preparing an FDP if “harvesting” is proposed by a person other than the WL holder, for:

a seismic line, a gravel or rock pit, mining or oil and gas exploration, constructing, modifying or widening a road, a utility right-of-way, clearing a fence line, or some similar purpose.

Requirements if the Term of FDP Approval is Extended

WLFMR section 9(2.1) states that if the term of approval of an FDP is extended, the FDP does not need to be updated to current Code requirements if the only CPs that the WL holder will apply for during the period of the extension are for areas of “minor salvage operations” or “minor harvesting operations”.

Comprehensive Plans for Wildlife Tree Retention in the FDP

WLFMR section 11(5) states that if the FDP contains a comprehensive plan for wildlife tree retention, general objectives for “wildlife tree” retention do not need to be included in the FDP.

WLFMR section 11(6) allows the DM to request that an FDP contain a comprehensive plan for “wildlife tree” retention.

General Objectives in the FDP for Riparian Management Zones

WLFMR section 13(2) allows general objectives for “riparian management zones” to specify the species of trees to be retained and set minimum and maximum limits on the quantity of trees that will be retained using:

basal area / ha. trees / ha. ( > a minimum diameter limit) trees / ha. (by diameter class) trees / length of RMZ (by diameter class) another similar indicator

WLFMR Section 12 - Road Modification Information in FDP

WLFMR section 12 requires the following road modification information in a new FDP:

• the approximate location of where bridges or “major culverts” will be added or replaced by the WL holder on roads that provide access to “cutblocks” as well as roads within proposed “cutblocks”.

WLFMR Section 13.1 - Terrain Stability Field Assessments

“Terrain stability field assessments” are normally required prior to “harvesting” or constructing “excavated or bladed trails” on “sensitive slopes”

WLFMR section 13.1 outlines situations where “terrain stability field assessments” are not required.

This section does not apply to roads.

Terrain Stability Field Assessments Outside of Community Watersheds

• A ‘terrain stability field assessment” is not required for a “sensitive slope” in the “Interior” that is outside of a community watershed if all of the following conditions are met :

• “terrain stability hazard maps” indicate the area has a moderate likelihood of landslides, or “reconnaissance terrain stability maps” indicate the area is potentially unstable,

• the harvest method will be cable or aerial, and

• “excavated or bladed” trails won’t be constructed.

Terrain Stability Field Assessments (TSFA) in Community Watersheds

• A TSFA is not required for a “sensitive slope” in an “Interior” community watershed if all of the following conditions are met :

• “terrain stability hazard maps” indicate the area has a moderate likelihood of landslides, or “reconnaissance terrain stability maps” indicate the area is potentially unstable,

• the harvest method will be cable or aerial,

• the silvicultural system for the area will not be “clearcut” or clearcut with reserves, and

• “excavated or bladed trails” won’t be constructed.

Terrain Stability Field Assessments and Site Plans

• If a TSFA is required under WLFMR section 13.1, WLFMR section 14(1)(n) now requires the site plan to state that:

• the TSFA has been carried out in accordance with the WLFMR,

• the proposed “harvesting” complies with sections 60 and 61 of the WLFMR, and

• the plan is or isn’t consistent with the TSFA (provide justification if inconsistent).

Site Plan Requirements if the FDP Includes a Comprehensive Plan for Wildlife Tree Retention

• WLFMR section 14(2.1) states that if the FDP contains a comprehensive plan for “wildlife tree” retention, site plans do not need to specify “the selection criteria and level of retention for “wildlife trees” and “wildlife tree patches”.

Site Plan Information for Riparian Management Zones

WLFMR section 14(6) allows site plans to describe tree retention for “riparian management zones” by specifying the characteristics, species and function of trees to be retained and setting a minimum quantity of trees that will be retained using:

basal area / ha. trees / ha. ( > a minimum diameter limit) trees / ha. (by diameter class) trees / length of RMZ (by diameter class) trees (by diameter class) for the RMZ , or another similar indicator of tree retention

Site Plan Exemptions• Amendments to WLFMR section 14(10) increase

opportunities for site plan exemptions.

• Previously WLFMR section 14(10) only allowed an estimated volume of up to 500 m3 to be harvested under a site plan exemption.

• If the “harvesting” is to facilitate a use of land that is incompatible with the establishment of a “free growing stand”, there is no restriction on the volume or the area that could be harvested under a site plan exemption (i.e. a 5 ha. “clearcut” to facilitate placer mining or a utility right of way).

Site Plan Exemptions For Intermediate Cuttings

• Up to 2000m3 can now be approved under a site plan exemption, if the harvest is an “intermediate cutting” for salvage or forest health reasons.

• WLFMR section 14(11) requires that if more than 500 m3 is harvested as an “intermediate cutting” under a site plan exemption, the district manager must impose terms and conditions to ensure the retention of “wildlife trees” and “wildlife tree patches”, unless the FDP contains a comprehensive plan for “wildlife tree” retention.

Site Plan Exemptions For Volumes up to 500 m3

• The reasons that a district manager may grant a site plan exemption for up to 500 m3 of timber have been expanded.

• Previously WLFMR section 14(10) allowed the DM to grant site plan exemptions for the “harvesting” of up to 500 m3 of “special forest products”. The words “special forest products” have been replaced with a “minor harvesting operation”.

• Site plan exemptions can now be granted for harvesting trap trees.

Partial Site Plan Exemptions • WLFMR section 14(10) allows partial site

plan exemptions to be granted.

• In certain situations WL holders have requested a site plan exemption but would still like to establish a “free growing stand” on the area.

• In these situations a site plan may only need to specify the “net area to be reforested”, preferred and acceptable species, and “stocking requirements” for the “free growing stand”.

WLFMR Section 17 Protection of Issued Permits

• Where cutting permits and road permits have been issued the WL has been granted the legal right to harvest timber.

• Areas where these permits have been issued may show up as proposed “cutblocks” and roads in a new FDP that is submitted for review and comment or approval. Areas for which active cutting permits or road permits exist are not subject to re-negotiation with the approval of a new FDP.

WLFMR Section 19Additional Site Plan Information

WLFMR section 19 now allows the DM to request:

• a time frame for the WL holder to complete the rehabilitation of “excavated or bladed trails”

• a description or map of areas where “excavated or bladed trails” may be constructed

• the results of a forest health assessment, or

• measures that will be taken to reduce significant forest health risks.

WLFMR Section 22 - Site Plans Without RPF Signature

• There has been a subtle amendment to WLFMR section 22 so that site plans prepared by non-professionals may now cover an area up to 1 hectare in size.

• Previously site plans prepared by non-professionals had to cover an area of less than 1 hectare.

WLFMR Section 22.1 - Backlog Silviculture Prescriptions

• WL holders are not required to prepare new silviculture prescriptions (SPs) except on “backlog areas”.

• Any backlog SPs that are required on a WL must be prepared in accordance with the FPC Act and WLFMR section 22.1.

WLFMR Section 22.1 (1) SPs Without RPF Signatures

WLFMR section 22.1(1) allows persons who are not RPF’s to prepare:

• WL backlog SPs covering up to 1 hectare, or

• amendments to existing SPs or PHSPs involving:

• an area of up to 1hectare

• an extension of time

• minor changes to the harvest method or related practices, or

• minor changes to the location of access structures.

WLFMR Section 22.1 - Existing Silviculture Prescriptions

WLFMR section 22.1 also applies to existing SPs and PHSPs approved under the WL by:

• providing content requirements against which to judge amendments to existing SPs at time the SP amendment is submitted for approval, and

• defining “stocking requirements” as required by section 70(4)(d) and (e) of the FPC Act .

WLFMR Section 22.1 - SP Content Requirements

• Information requirements for WL SPs attempt to follow the information requirements for site plans.

• WL SPs now have mandatory information requirements and discretionary information requirements.

• The discretionary information that can be required for SPs is almost identical to what can be required under WLFMR section 19(2) for site plans.

Significant Differences Between SPs and Site Plans

• Woodlot licence SPs must not be amended to use the WLFMR default silviculture stocking specifications.

• Site plans have a single “free growing date” and SPs have a “free growing assessment period” with early and late dates.

• Under no circumstances should an SP amendment be approved that specifies a single “free growing date”.

WLFMR Section 22.2 Additional Backlog SP Exemptions

A backlog SP is not required on a WL as long as the silviculture treatment:

• does not involve heavy ground based machinery,

• does not result in the cutting, damaging or destruction of any tree having a stem diameter (dbh) of 7.5 cm or greater, and

• does not reduce the size, quality or number of healthy, well spaced trees per hectare of a commercially acceptable species.

WLFMR Section 22.3 - Operational Plans for Unauthorized Harvesting

Unless the DM provides an exemption from the requirement to establish a “free growing stand”, WLFMR Section 22.3 requires a WL holder who harvests a Crown or private portion of the WL, without authorization to prepare either:

an amendment to a nearby site plan or SP to include the unauthorized harvest area, or

a site plan for the unauthorized harvest area.

WLFMR Section 23.1 SMP Exemptions

WLFMR Section 23.1(1) allows the DM to exempt a WL holder (in writing), from the requirement to prepare an SMP if the WL management plan contains information similar to a SMP.

WLFMR Section 36(b) Cutting or Damaging Trees in a Community

Watershed WLFMR section 36(b)(ii) now allows trees

within 100 meters upslope of a community water supply intake to be cut or damaged to facilitate the construction of a range fence, if

there is no other practicable location, and the fence is compatible with the use of the

community water supply intake.

WLFMR Section 39 - Surface Soil Erosion Hazard

“surface soil erosion hazard” means the ranking of the potential for soil erosion as determined by a “soil erosion field assessment”.

This is a new definition was added to WLFMR section 39 to provide consistency with a new section 60.1 of the FPC Act.

Road Permits & Road Use Permits for Minor Salvage Operations

FPC Act section 54(3.1), (3.2) and (3.4) allow roads on Crown land to be used for minor salvage operations (under specified circumstances), without a road permit or road use permit.

Road Permits & Road Use Permits for Minor Harvesting Operations

WLFMR section 41(3), (4) and (5) allow roads on Crown land to be used for “minor harvesting operations” under specified circumstances (that are virtually identical to section 54 (3.1), (3.2) and (3.4) of the FPC Act).

The period of road use does not need to be less than 60 days.

Road Modification DefinedThe word “modify” is defined in the FPC Act to

mean, when used in relation to the repair of a road or to a physical change to a road, to carry out any of the following activities:

replacing or adding a “stream culvert”; replacing or adding a bridge, or providing

structural repairs to a bridge or “major culvert”;

relocating an existing road; re-establishing road subgrade stability; re-establishing cut slope stability by re-

sloping, buttressing or erecting a retaining structure along the cut slope.

Eliminating Road Layout and Design Requirements for Minor Modification

If road modification consists of :• replacing or adding a “stream culvert” or

bridge, or• providing structural repairs to a bridge or

“major culvert”,an “archaeological impact assessment” and the requirement to demonstrate that visual quality objectives will be satisfied, do not apply. A “terrain stability field assessment” is also not required unless the road modification may contribute to slope instability.

FPC Act Section 60.2Road Layout and Design Exemptions • Section 60.2 of the FPC Act specifies

conditions under which a “stream culvert” that is not a “major culvert” can be added or replaced without requiring the preparation of a road layout and design or its approval by the district manager.

• A cutting permit or road permit must still provide authority to modify any road on Crown land within the WL.

FPC Act Section 60.1 Road Layout and Design Exemptions • Section 60.1 of the FPC Act allows the

construction of an ‘on-block’ road that meets the criteria outlined in section 60.1 of the FPC Act, without requiring the WL holder to prepare a road layout and design and have it approved by the district manager.

• A cutting permit or road permit must still provide authority to construct any roads on Crown land within the WL.

Layout and Designs for Roads With Moderate or High

Likelihood of LandslidesWLFMR section 44(3)(d) now requires a road

layout and design for an area with a moderate or high “likelihood of landslides” to contain either:

• a statement by a QRP that proposed measures to maintain slope stability are the least likely to result in a landslide, or

• an analysis by a QRP of the “likelihood of a landslide”, remedial actions and potential consequences.

Measures to maintain slope stability

As an example, if a retaining wall was not the least likely measure to result in a landslide, an analysis would be required

Layout and Designs for Roads With Moderate or High

Likelihood of LandslidesWLFMR section 44(3)(e) now requires a road

layout and design for an area with a moderate or high “likelihood of landslides” to contain

• a statement signed and sealed by a QRP that the “terrain stability field assessment” was carried out and that proposed measures to maintain slope stability are included in the geometric road design.

Layout and Designs for Roads With Moderate or High Likelihood

of LandslidesA road layout and design for an area with a

moderate or high “likelihood of landslides” must:

• contain measures to maintain slope stability prepared by a QRP, and

• indicate whether or not the resulting road work requires a signed and sealed statement from a QRP indicating that the measures to maintain slope stability has been carried out in general conformance with the road layout and design.

WLFMR Section 45 - Soil Erosion Field Assessments

Within Community WatershedsWLFMR section 45(1)(a) now requires a “soil erosion field assessment” unless:

• soil erosion potential mapping indicates the area does not have high or very high “soil erosion potential”, and

• the DM is satisfied that the “risk of sediment delivery to streams” is low.

WLFMR Section 46 - Bridges and Other Specialized Structures

• WLFMR section 46 (3) & (3.1) have been amended to provide requirements for the design of bridges, cattle guards and other specialized structures that are identical to the requirements in section 10 of the Forest Road Regulation.

Site data collection is not regulatedSite data collection is not regulated

Design requirements vary depending on Design requirements vary depending on which of three situations apply:which of three situations apply:

• Bridge span is less than 6mBridge span is less than 6m

• Bridge span between 6m and 12mBridge span between 6m and 12m

• Bridge span is greater than 12m or, Bridge span is greater than 12m or, exceeds FRR limitations placed on the exceeds FRR limitations placed on the above spansabove spans

Requirements for designs of bridges

WLFMR Section 46 - Bridges With Spans Between 6 and 12 Meters

WLFMR section 46 (3)(b)(i) allows an RPF to design a bridge spanning 6 - 12 m. if:

• the bridge is outside of the wetted perimeter at design high water,

• the channel is historically stable,• the bridge superstructure is non-composite,• the substructure bears on original ground, a

shallow ballast layer or short cribs or sills, and• the design is based on standard drawings,

tables, charts, etc. that have been produced by a PEng.

WLFMR Section 46 - Bridges With Spans less than 6 Meters

WLFMR section 46 (3)(b)(ii) allows a person other than an RPF or Peng. to design a bridge spanning < 6 m. if:

• the bridge is outside of the wetted perimeter at design high water,

• the channel is historically stable,• the bridge superstructure is non-composite,• the substructure bears on original ground, a

shallow ballast layer or short cribs or sills, and• the design is based on standard drawings,

tables, charts, etc. that have been produced by a PEng.

WLFMR Section 46 - Bridges and Other Specialized Structures

WLFMR section 46 (3) requires a PEng. to take design responsibility for:

• all bridges spanning more than 12 meters or shorter bridges that don’t meet the criteria to allow others to take design responsibility,

• all “major culverts”,• cattle guard fabrication,• retaining walls > 1.5 meters tall, and• other specialized structures.

WLFMR Section 51(d)(e)&(f) - Bridge Construction - General Conformance

• WLFMR section 51 (d)(e) & (f) requires the bridge designer to sign a statement that the bridge was built in general conformance with the design drawings and specifications.

• If the bridge was designed by a PEng or RPF the statement must also be sealed with the appropriate professional seal.

Removal of Gravel or Fill From Riparian Reserve Zones

• WLFMR section 47 (b) states that a WL holder, when constructing or modifying a road, must not remove gravel or fill from “riparian management zones” or “riparian reserve zones” without the prior approval of the district manager.

Removal of Stumps, Roots and Embedded Logs

WLFMR section 47.1 provides a general requirement that stumps, roots and embedded logs must not be left or placed in the “road prism” unless:

• the road is a “snow road” or involves “overlanding”, or

• doing so is allowed under WLFMR sections 47.2 or 48(1)

• Constructed entirely from snow and Constructed entirely from snow and ice mixturesice mixtures

• No ground disturbance requiredNo ground disturbance required

Snow Road

Overlanding

In stable terrain, stumps, roots and In stable terrain, stumps, roots and embedded logs may be left or placed embedded logs may be left or placed in the road prism in the road prism but,but, outside of the outside of the road subgrade width.road subgrade width.

In stable terrain, stumps, In stable terrain, stumps, roots and embedded logs roots and embedded logs may be left or placed under may be left or placed under the road subgrade width. the road subgrade width.

In stable terrain, allows inverted stumps, corduroy or puncheon to be in the road subgrade width.

Can use stumps and logs to Can use stumps and logs to retain the fill in moderate to high retain the fill in moderate to high hazard terrain if prescribed by a hazard terrain if prescribed by a QRP. QRP.

Removal of Stumps, Roots and Embedded Logs

• WLFMR section 47.2 (2) and 48(1) now provide the same deactivation requirements for roads where stumps, roots and embedded logs have been left or placed in the “road prism” as section 11(3) and (4) of the Forest Road Regulation:

WLFMR Section 54 Road Closure Signs for Deactivated Roads

• WLFMR section 54(3)(a) now states that signs at appropriate locations on deactivated roads can now advise that the road is closed to vehicle traffic if that is the case.

• Previously signs were required to “advise road users of the hazards that may be expected due to deactivation”.

WLFMR Section 57 Deactivation of Bridges and Log Culverts

WLFMR section 57 :

• no longer requires the removal of bridges that place the users of semi-permanently deactivated roads at risk, and

• now requires, (during permanent deactivation), the removal of all log culvert superstructures and those log culvert substructures that would affect downstream values.

WLFMR Section 62(1) Excavated or Bladed Trails

• Previously WLFMR section 62(1) allowed the DM to provide a written authorization to a WL holder for the construction of “excavated or bladed trails” outside of the operational planning process.

• Section 68 of the FPC Act was amended so that the district managers can provide written consent to construct “excavated or bladed trails” under specified conditions.

WLFMR Section 62(5) Excavated or Bladed Trail Rehabilitation

• WLFMR Section 62(5) now requires “excavated or bladed trails” (that are not “permanent access structures”), and are constructed on or after Dec. 15, 1999, to be rehabilitated.

• Previous wording linked the rehabilitation requirement to the date when “harvesting” commenced on the cutblock and required the rehabilitation of “excavated or bladed” trails that were designated as “permanent access structures”.

WLFMR Section 62(6) Excavated or Bladed Trail Rehabilitation

• WLFMR section 62(6) continues to provide default measure that can be followed to rehabilitate “excavated or bladed trails”.

• WLFMR section 62(6) now requires the rehabilitation to be completed before or immediately following the conclusion of “harvesting”, or within another time that is approved in an “operational plan” or is authorized in writing by the DM.

WLFMR Section 62.1 Temporary Road Rehabilitation

• WLFMR section 62.1 requires the WL holder to complete the rehabilitation of temporary roads before or immediately following the conclusion of harvesting, or within another time that is approved in the “operational plan” or is authorized in writing by the DM.

• WLFMR section 62.1(2) provides default measures that can be followed for temporary road rehabilitation.

WLFMR Section 67 - Old Growth Management Areas

• WLFMR section 67 previously required the agreement of the “designated environment official” before clearcutting could be authorized in an “ungulate winter range” or “old growth management area” (OGMA).

• This requirement has been eliminated for “ungulate winter ranges” and modified for OGMAs.

WLFMR Section 73 Rehabilitation of Compacted Areas & Corduroyed Trails

WLFMR section 73 now requires rehabilitation of “compacted areas” and “corduroyed trails” before or immediately following the completion of “harvesting”, or within a time frame specified by the DM.

Rehabilitation of “compacted areas” or “corduroyed trails” must:

• allow a “free growing stand” to be established on the area,

• re-establish natural surface drainage, and• minimize sediment delivery to “streams”.

WLFMR Sections 78 & 81Maximum Density Spacing

• Amendments to WLFMR sections 78 & 81 override “operational plan” requirements by not requiring maximum density spacing to be carried out unless the number of countable conifers exceeds 10,000 /ha.

• These requirements are virtually identical to requirements in the Silviculture Practices Regulation for major licensees.

WLFMR Section 81(4) & (5)Maximum Density Spacing

For areas covered by an SP approved before April 1, 1994, where there are more than 10,000 countable lodgepole pine or drybelt Douglas-fir trees per hectare, the WL holder must reduce the number of trees to:

• within a range of post spacing densities specified in the SP,

• within a range of post spacing densities specified by the DM (in writing), or

• a number that is less than the default number in WLFMR section 81(5).

WLFMR Section 82(2) Planting Trees on Backlog Areas

• WLFMR section 82(2) specifies requirements that must be met by trees that are planted to establish a “free growing stand” on an area.

• Where the new section 22.2 of the WLFMR allows a WL holder to plant trees on a “backlog area” without an SP, any trees that are planted on the “backlog area” must meet the requirements of WLFMR section 82(2).

WLFMR Section 88(4.1) Exemption From Surveys on

Areas of Intermediate Cuttings

WLFMR section 88(4.1) now allows the DM to exempt a WL holder from conducting a survey of an area where an “intermediate cutting” has removed a small portion of the stand volume in such a manner that the inventory label for the area is not significantly changed.

WLFMR Section 88(5) Revised Survey Report Requirements

• WLFMR section 88(5) now requires copies of regeneration assessments and free growing surveys to be submitted with the woodlot licence annual report, unless the district manager requires a copy at a different time.

WLFMR Section 89 - Woodlot Licence Annual Report

WLFMR section 89 has been amended to eliminate the requirement that WL activities must be reported on a calendar year basis.

This amendment reflects the fact that some Interior licensees requested the ability to report activities based on years that end with the completion on the winter harvesting season.

WLFMR Sections 97.1 & 97.2 Definition of “Greened-up”

• WLFMR sections 97.1 & 97.2 add the definition of “greened-up” from the Operational Planning Regulation that was last amended on December 18, 1998.

WLFMR Section 97.3 Establishing Ungulate Winter Ranges

• WLFMR section 97.3 now outlines the process from section 69 of the Operational Planning Regulation, for establishing and confirming “ungulate winter ranges” and establishing objectives for “ungulate winter ranges”.