There will an investigation into the presence of Northern red-legged frog and their breeding habitat in the Mount Elphinstone area.
Ministry of Forests confirmed to Coast Reporter that “based on the findings and recommendations from the biologists, a management plan will be developed by a qualified registered professional for implementation by the timber sale licence holder." No time frame or details on the conduct or costs of this action was provided.
ELF wants an Environment Ministry survey
While pleased that the province acknowledged its frog sighting in the area BC Timber Sales (BCTS) cutblock TA0521, Elphinstone Logging Focus (ELF) remains concerned with how the habitat survey will be carried out. “The critical difference is whether BCTS contracts out the work, or will the Ministry of Forests intervene and send in a biologist from the Minister of Environment? If the latter, then the biologist is in a contractual relationship with BCTS and that's where the science begins to break down due to perceived and real bias which can weigh conclusions in favor of the client,” ELF spokesperson Ross Muirhead cautions.
“Therefore, ELF calls on the Ministry of Environment to conduct the Red-legged amphibian survey.”
In an Aug. 15 email the Ministry stated the breeding habitat of those frogs is managed under the BCTS Provincial Sustainable Forest Management Plan, which lays out how BC Timber Sales (BCTS) meets sustainable forestry objectives to ensure healthy ecosystem and biodiversity. "A commitment to sustainable forest management is a central principle that guides BCTS practices across British Columbia," the email stated.
