Photo courtesy Dreamstime

By Caden Fanshaw

FISHER Habitat

Fisher habitat impacted by logging: B.C. Forest Practices Board

Jun 8, 2021 | 3:46 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – A recent report from the B.C. Forest Practices Board has found the population trends of fishers around the province are not good.

“Our investigation found that government has relied on voluntary efforts by forestry licensees to conserve fisher habitat,” said Kevin Kriese, chair, Forest Practices Board.

Dr. Chris Johnson said it’s hard to put down a fixed number of how many of the fisher species are actually living in the central interior, but he’s not surprised logging has taken a toll on the population.

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The investigation found that the government has not carried out landscape-scale planning for fisher habitat in the district and has not used the tools available in the Forest and Range Practices Act to direct licensees.

The board says instead, the government has approached fisher habitat management by investing in non-legal guidance and planning tools for forest professionals and licensees to consider.

Johnson said there is research currently underway, to help determine better estimates on how many of the furry creatures may be out there, but it is widely known the numbers are not increasing.

Fisher’s habitat consists of older forest stands with large trees, snags, and coarse woody debris. Fishers prefer landscapes with large areas of connected forest and avoid non-forested openings.

The area of the complaint is within the traditional territories of the Nazko, Lheidlli T’enneh, and Saik’uz First Nations. The Forest Practices Board recognizes the importance of their historical relationship with the land that continues to this day.