Effects of the Macdougall Creek Bridge on Access to the East Side of Babine Lake

On December 1, 2000, the Fort St. James district manager approved a forest development plan amendment submitted by Canadian Forest Products Ltd. (the licensee). The licensee proposed to build a bridge across Macdougall Creek to link existing roads in the Fort St. James and Morice Forest Districts.

On January 2, 2001, a person who runs a guiding operation at Smithers Landing on Babine Lake complained to the Forest Practices Board, asserting that the district manager’s decision to approve the bridge did not adequately address the environmental risks associated with improving public access to the east side of Babine Lake. Specifically, the complainant raises questions about how the district manager considered the concerns of the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. The complainant would like to see the bridge closed annually from April through November.