Box 5306, Fort McMurray, Alberta T9H 3G4 Office (780) 714‐8020 September 2, 2016 Scott Johnson, RPF Area Forester Fort McMurray Wildfire Management Area Alberta Agriculture and Forestry 5 th Floor Provincial Building 9915 Franklin Avenue Fort McMurray, AB T9H 2K4 RE: Submission of Forest Harvest Plan for Husky Compartment (Husky 16‐21) Dear Scott, On behalf of Northland Forest Products Ltd., please find attached the submission of the Husky (Husky 16‐ 21) Forest Harvest Plan (FHP) for review, comment and approval by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. Included is one digital copy. Paper copies can be made available if requested. Shapefiles that meet the Standards for Spatial Digital Data Submission Directive will be uploaded to the secure FTP site. Northlands has submitted a copy of this FHP to Alberta Pacific Forest Industries Inc. since operations are within FMA 9100029. A letter from AlPac agreeing with this FHP will be provided to GOA once received. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these plans, please contact me at your earliest convenience at (780)743‐3773. Sincerely, Jordan Dyck, RPFT Planning Forester
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Box 5306, Fort McMurray, Alberta T9H 3G4 Office (780) 714‐8020
September 2, 2016
Scott Johnson, RPF Area Forester Fort McMurray Wildfire Management Area Alberta Agriculture and Forestry 5th Floor Provincial Building 9915 Franklin Avenue Fort McMurray, AB T9H 2K4 RE: Submission of Forest Harvest Plan for Husky Compartment (Husky 16‐21)
Dear Scott,
On behalf of Northland Forest Products Ltd., please find attached the submission of the Husky (Husky 16‐21) Forest Harvest Plan (FHP) for review, comment and approval by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. Included is one digital copy. Paper copies can be made available if requested. Shapefiles that meet the Standards for Spatial Digital Data Submission Directive will be uploaded to the secure FTP site. Northlands has submitted a copy of this FHP to Alberta Pacific Forest Industries Inc. since operations are within FMA 9100029. A letter from AlPac agreeing with this FHP will be provided to GOA once received. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these plans, please contact me at your earliest
List of Tables Table 1: Trapline Holders .............................................................................................................................. 2 Table 2: Road Disturbance within Cutblocks ................................................................................................. 4
Appendices Appendix A – List of Roads Appendix B – List of Watercourse Crossings Appendix C – Cutblock Area and Volume Summary Appendix D – Cutblock Regeneration Stratum Appendix E – FHP Checklist
Maps Husky FHP Map Husky Variance Map
Forest Harvest Plan: Husky16‐21
2
1.0 Introduction This Forest Harvest Plan (FHP) details the timber harvest activities under CTLA150001 located in Forest Management Unit A15. This plan, Husky16‐21, comprises 2 proposed cutblocks with a total area of 74.1 ha. Total estimated volumes are 12,531 m3 conifer and 1,483 m3 deciduous. All cutblocks will be harvested in the winter under frozen ground conditions. It should be noted that access included in this plan corresponds closely with a second FHP, EAH16‐21, that has been submitted separately. In block roads that run through EAH cutblocks that will be utilized to access blocks in this plan are not shown on the Husky FHP map.
2.0 Integration with Other Stakeholders
2.1 Trapper Referral & Comments Letters and maps were sent by registered mail to trapline holders potentially affected by this FHP (Table 1).
Table 1: Trapline Holders
Trapline number
Holder Address Date contacted by Registered Mail (letter and map)
TPA 2214 Rick Whitten 136 Grenoble Cres.Fort McMurray, AB
T9H 3X7
August 19, 2016
TPA 2718 Dave V. Kalkeren 296 Beaton Pl.Fort McMurray, AB
T9K 2B8
August 19, 2016 September 1, 2016 ‐
(updated map)
Notice of commencement of operations will also be sent out no later than ten days before operations begin. Northlands will respond promptly to any requests that trappers may have as it concerns their traplines and the public in general.
No recreation groups, guides or outfitters have been identified. If signs of an outfitter are found, they will be contacted and informed of operations in the area. There are no grazing lease operators in the area.
2.3 Historical Resource Protection
The proposed cutblocks within this FHP were screened for high potential sites on June 21, 2016. Areas that were identified were typed out of the blocks using avoidance techniques.
2.4 Integration with FMA Holder
A copy of this FHP has been forwarded to Alberta Pacific for review. Incidental deciduous will be purchased by Alberta Pacific, however, if Alberta Pacific decides it is not feasible based on volumes, avoidance techniques will be used to leave the deciduous standing. A sign off letter provided by ALPAC will be forwarded to Alberta Agriculture and Forestry once received.
Forest Harvest Plan: Husky16‐21
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2.5 Third Party Agreements Northlands Forest Products Ltd. has reciprocating road use agreements with Suncor Energy, Teck Resources and Total E & P. This is relevant to the use of Suncor LOC 080365, Suncor LOC 000455, Suncor LOC 111457 and Suncor LOC 063016 (the East Athabasca Corridor). Northlands will obtain facility crossing agreements with disposition holders as needed for crossings in this plan prior to operations.
2.6 Consultative and Protective Notations
The following consultative and protective notations will be impacted by this plan:
CNT 090030 (Alberta Government, Forestry and Emergency Response) – Timber dispositions do not require referral for this CNT.
CNC 020004 (Syncrude Canada Ltd) – Consultation for surface dispositions is required to avoid conflict with development of Future Lease 29 Mine project. Since Northlands Forest Products already holds CTLA150001, no consultation is required.
2.7 First Nations Consultation
First Nation Consultation is completed at the GDP stage. Prior to approval of the GDP, consultation with First Nations is documented and submitted to the Alberta Government for review.
3.0 Operational Considerations
3.1 Utilization Standard The coniferous utilization standard to be used for this CTL is 15/11 cm. The deciduous utilization standard to be used for this CTL is 15/10 cm.
Tree, stand, broken piece and cull merchantability standards will be consistent with the conditions listed on the disposition and in the Northeast Alberta Operating Ground Rules.
3.2 Debris Disposal
Debris disposal will be conducted as per approved Annual Operating Plan and corresponding amendments.
3.3 Caribou/Wildlife Protection
No proposed cutblocks within this FHP are in a Key Wildlife Biodiversity Zone or Caribou Range. A search of the Fish and Wildlife Management Information System (FWMIS) database was completed on September 2, 2016. Species that have been reported in this area included:
Broad‐winged Hawk
Canada Lynx
Cape May Warbler
Fisher
Least Flycatcher
Western Tanager Of the species reported through the FWMIS database search, none are currently listed as species at risk within Alberta, however, the cape may warbler has been recommended to be listed as a ‘Species of Special Concern’. The broad‐winged hawk, cape may warbler, least flycatcher and western tanager begin
Forest Harvest Plan: Husky16‐21
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their southern migration in the fall and will not be present when the blocks outlined in this FHP are harvested. Based on this, harvest operations should have little to no impact on these bird species.
3.4 Insect, Disease and Fire
No significant infestations of insect or disease were found in the area during layout. This FHP does not contain any fire salvage blocks.
4.0 Access Management All access roads, including interblock roads, are shown in Appendix A, crossings are shown in Appendix B and on the FHP map accompanying this plan. Operations in this FHP will utilize two public highways, Hwy 63 and Hwy 55, to access the operating area as well as existing industrial LOCs are discussed in Section 2.5.
All proposed roads within this FHP will be built to a Class IV standard as per Table 3 of the OGR. Road right of way widths will be minimized as much as possible and will generally be between 7‐10 meters. All creek crossings will be constructed using snow fills. These crossings will be notched to allow them to melt back to creek embankments during the spring. At the time of operations, the harvest supervisor may change crossing structures to any acceptable crossing type as per OGR 11.4.1. Existing seismic lines used for block access and in‐block roads will not be reclaimed and will be left open for trapper access. All other access, not under disposition, will be deactivated using rollback following harvesting and hauling operations. ATV access may be maintained to allow access for pile burning operations the following year. Any changes to roads or crossings will adhere to the protocol defined in Section 3.4.9.1 of the Ground Rules.
4.1 Road Disturbance
A list of cutblocks and their estimated road disturbance has been provided in Table 2 below. No roads exceed the 5% disturbance threshold of the harvest area as per OGR Section 9.0.3.
Table 2: Road Disturbance within Cutblocks
Planning Unit Block
Number Cutblock Area (ha)
Road Area (ha)
Disturbance (%)
Husky 15321 59.2 2.2 3.7
Husky 15352 15.0 0.7 5.0
Total 2 74.1 2.9 4.3* * average percentage 5.0 Operational Design and Block Comments A complete block list is provided in Appendix C. There is no Spatial Harvest Sequence for this area, therefore, no variance from the sequence can be reported. Cutblocks outlined in this plan are additions as shown on the included Variance map. Cutblocks were laid out in a manner to achieve several objectives. These include maximizing operational efficiency, incorporating natural topography and forest ecology, reducing forest and land fragmentation, reducing linear disturbance, and mitigating impacts on other resources and values. All available tools such as LiDAR, Alberta Vegetation Inventory, and various third party datasets, were used to prepare the plan to meet the objectives of the DFMP and OGR in an efficient and cost effective manner.
Forest Harvest Plan: Husky16‐21
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Northlands will identify and leave a patch (or patches) of timber representative of the area being harvested to meet the target as per Section 7.4 of the OGRs. The actual size and location of these “patches” will be confirmed through GPS traverse or post‐harvest photo interpretation. Actual retention will be reconciled with the as‐built information and reported in the next Annual Operating Plan. Retention will also focus on snags, immature conifer understory, non‐merchantable stems and clumps, where operationally and silviculturally feasible. No significant weed issues were identified in this area at the time of planning. Operations will follow the Appendix 3 – Directive for weed management in the OGR.
6.0 Compartment Assessment A compartment assessment was not required for this plan.
7.0 Ground Rule Deviations There are no deviations from the OGRs planned for this FHP.
8.0 Silviculture Regeneration stratum for each cutblock has been included in Appendix D. Additionally, no watercourse crossings will be left in for silvaculture.
9.0 Validation by Registered Forest Practitioner
Plan prepared and submitted on behalf of Northland Forest Products Ltd by:
_________________________ Date: September 2, 2016 Jordan Dyck, RPFT Planning Forester
Appendix A: List of Roads
Block
NumberRoad Name License
Planning
UnitRoad Type Road Class
Clearing
Width
Road
Surface
Width
Season Road Length
(m)
15352 14252A CTLA150003 Husky Inter Block Class IV 7 to 10 5 to 6 Winter 197
15321 15321A CTLA150003 Husky In Block Class IV 7 to 10 5 to 6 Winter 555
15321 15321A CTLA150003 Husky Inter Block Class IV 7 to 10 5 to 6 Winter 53
15321 15321A CTLA150003 Husky In Block Class IV 7 to 10 5 to 6 Winter 100
15321 15321A CTLA150003 Husky Inter Block Class IV 7 to 10 5 to 6 Winter 86
15321 15321A CTLA150003 Husky In Block Class IV 7 to 10 5 to 6 Winter 116
15321 15321A CTLA150003 Husky Inter Block Class IV 7 to 10 5 to 6 Winter 40
15321 15321A CTLA150003 Husky Inter Block Class IV 7 to 10 5 to 6 Winter 165
15321 15321B CTLA150003 Husky In Block Class IV 7 to 10 5 to 6 Winter 331
15321 15321C CTLA150003 Husky In Block Class IV 7 to 10 5 to 6 Winter 174
15321 15321D CTLA150003 Husky In Block Class IV 7 to 10 5 to 6 Winter 1118
15321 15321E CTLA150003 Husky In Block Class IV 7 to 10 5 to 6 Winter 300
15321 15321F CTLA150003 Husky In Block Class IV 7 to 10 5 to 6 Winter 260
15321 15321F CTLA150003 Husky In Block Class IV 7 to 10 5 to 6 Winter 408
15321 15321F CTLA150003 Husky Inter Block Class IV 7 to 10 5 to 6 Winter 42
15321 15321F CTLA150003 Husky In Block Class IV 7 to 10 5 to 6 Winter 277
15321 15321F CTLA150003 Husky Inter Block Class IV 7 to 10 5 to 6 Winter 36
15352 15352A CTLA150003 Husky In Block Class IV 7 to 10 5 to 6 Winter 640
15352 15352B CTLA150003 Husky In Block Class IV 7 to 10 5 to 6 Winter 207
15352 15352C CTLA150003 Husky In Block Class IV 7 to 10 5 to 6 Winter 135
15352 15352D CTLA150003 Husky In Block Class IV 7 to 10 5 to 6 Winter 79
15352 15352D CTLA150003 Husky In Block Class IV 7 to 10 5 to 6 Winter 152
15352 15352D CTLA150003 Husky Inter Block Class IV 7 to 10 5 to 6 Winter 79
Crossing
NumberRoad Name Stream Class
Crossing
TypeLatitude Longitude
HUS01 Skid trail Ephemeral Snow Fill 57.03530134 -111.2841509
HUS02 15321E Ephemeral Snow Fill 57.1014925 -111.2814794
HUS03 15321A Ephemeral Snow Fill 57.0987349 -111.2802173HUS04 15321F Ephemeral Snow Fill 57.10232848 -111.2840538
HUS05 15321F Ephemeral Snow Fill 57.10521909 -111.2855276
Appendix B: Watercourse Crossings
Appendix C: Cutblock Area and Volume Summary
License MOSABlock
Number
Opening
NumberStatus
Budworm
%
Mistletoe
%
Fire
Salvage
%
AVI Field AVI Area (ha)Conifer
(m3/ha)
Deciduous
(m3/ha)
Conifer Volume
(m3)
Deciduous
Volume (m3)
Total Volume
(m3)
CTLA150003 Yes 15321 4080933073 Laid Out 0 0 0 A23Sw9Aw1 A24Sw8Aw2/B18Sw6Sb4 59.2 165 20 9762 1183 10945
CTLA150003 Yes 15352 4080923137 Laid Out 0 0 0 C18Pj7Sw2Aw1 A25Sw9Aw1/B18Sw5Pj4Sb1 15.0 185 20 2770 299 3069
Planning Unit Disposition NumberCompany Submission Date
*Compartment assessment not required
*Appraisal of the FHP is required as per 3.4.1 of the OGRs if "No" has been indicated on any of these Approval Items.
** Appraisal of deviations is required if "No" has been indicated on this Approval Item. Company(Y,N,N/A)
Administrative ConsiderationsCopies required as per FMA, regional OGR or agreement with ESRD YFHP consistent with approved higher order plans (DFMP, SHS, GDP) YRequired disposition has been issued and approved YFHP complete and legible Y - maps Y - block tables Y
YY
Ground Rule Deviations (see OGR Variance portion of the harvest design report)All blocks containing ground rule deviations have been identified Y - N/AJustification provided for all ground rule deviations Y - N/A
UtilizationSHS Variance reported in FHP N/ADeviations from utilization standards are identified, explained and justified N/AUtilization standard matches license document (if not, Company has approval documentation for Y temporary deviation)
Integration with Other UsersTrappers have been identified and contacted YTrapper information and concerns, where applicable, have been integrated into the plan YForest recreation groups identified and contacted N/AGTA completed and grazing disposition holders have been contacted (Directive 2011-03) N/AHistorical resources integrated into the plan Y Any issues raised by other users or the public have been documented Y - N/APotential land use conflicts have been documented and mitigated (PNT, CNT, road use agreements, etc,) Y
Access Management
Y
Sensitive SitesAesthetic/recreation concerns addressed N/AWater source areas identified and potential impacts mitigated Y - N/A
CTLA1500032-Sep-16
Husky
- reforestation program
YES/NO
Yes
2-Sep-16
2-Sep-16
2-Sep-16
Northland Forest Products Ltd.
N/A - No SHS
INITIAL/DATE
2-Sep-162-Sep-16
APPROVAL ITEM
Access management, including control measures have been described and identified (location, timing, signage, etc) (7.7.1.7 & 7.7.5.6)
*Validated by RFP
**Adheres to all Ground Rules (if "NO", see OGR Variance portion of the harvest design report) Yes
Yes
N/A - No SHS*Area does not exceed 100% of SHS by cover type in the FHP
*Deletions and deferrals <20% of SHS area by cover type in the FHP
2-Sep-16*Plan agreed to in writing by affected forest companies
Road DesignLocation and design have been identified YList of channeled watercourse crossings including watercourse classification, map identifier, etc YCrossings not exempt under the Water Act are identified YAny proposed permanant access in Caribou zones has been identified N/AAccess opened for layout under TFA is incorporated into road design N/AExisting access and DLOs integrated into the plan are identified (if "N/A", these must be idenitifed in the AOP) YRemoval and reclamation of old crossings is identified (if "N/A", this must be identified in the AOP) N/A
WildlifeWildlife zones within the planning area are identified and addressed Y - N/AFWMIS search completed and the issues identified have been addressed Y Harvest areas with timing restrictions identified Y
N/A
All known sensitive wildlife sites have been addressed (mineral licks, raptor nests, den sites, etc) Y
Insect, Disease & FireFiresmart tactics are identified and described N - N/AKnown infestations of insect and disease are identified and mitigation is described YDebris disposal methods identified Y
Silviculture
Pre-harvest strata declaration is included Y
N/A
-FHP’s are approved through acceptance and will be considered approved on the date Alberta acknowledges receipt of the work. -Alberta shall notify the organization by acknowledging receipt within 5 working days of submission. -The notification date will be documented by Alberta as the start date for FHP approval. -Alberta shall periodically check the work and supporting documentation to verify its accuracy. -At any time, approval can be revoked where Alberta learns the FHP is inaccurate or deficient in content
Company Sign Off
SRD Sign Off
Date
Date
DateSubmitting RFP Validation
2-Sep-16
Reviewing RFP Validation
Northland Forest Products Ltd.
(Integrated operator)
For Woodland Caribou zone, areas of concentrated terrestrial lichen growth have been delineated and DBPs are proposed
Watercourse crossings maintained for silviculture purposes are identified (if "N/A", these crossings must be identified in the AOP)
