Oscar Creek, Ymir 2025 BCTS Clearcuts

This Google Earth map shows some of BCTS' operating area east of Ymir BC and the four huge clearcuts on the chopping block in BCTS 2024-25 sales schedule. We have only had the chance to explore TA1472-2 (the southern most block pictured) draining into Oscar Creek. The two more northern blocks are up Wildhorse road.  

This cedar is one of hundreds of old growth trees in this diverse 75 acre (30.35 hectare) proposed clearcut about 2 km from Ymir, as the crow flies. Joe Karthein from Save What's Left is bearing witness in this June 2024 photo. All photos listed here are cutblock TA1472-2.

160.8cm or 5.25' DBH (Diameter at Breast Height standard for measuring trees)

5.02m or 16'6" in circumference

Note that there is no marking on this tree to retain it. The one flagged retention area in this block was made up of the smallest trees. That said, based on other mapping we have seen, it seems that BCTS may have added additional retention areas due to public pressure.

16.5 feet on the tape! Extraordinary.

We measured at least 6 larches over 10' in circumference. These trees are likely about 300 years old. Larch is not highly valued by the timber industry. They will be sold for next to nothing to a specialty mill capable of milling a tree well over 3' wide. But the story is not all about just big trees. So many species of birds sang to us the whole four hours we tromped around in this forest.

Typical road centerline for BCTS:  Right through the center where the biggest and best trees are. Even if BCTS makes public concessions on not logging the biggest of trees in this block, they will punch a road through dozens of these incredibly rare old growth trees.

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