Dr. Rhonda Millikin has been researching the effects of thinning second growth forests on wildfire behaviour and published a paper with her results. In her article, which is published online by MDPI, an open-access publishing platform, Millikin and her co-authors say their research showed forested areas that undergo fuel-thinning see microclimate variables change in the direction of an increase in wildfire potential, with more solar radiation reaching the forest floor, increased ambient temperature, and higher wind speeds. Combined with decreases in relative humidity, soil moisture, and snow depth and cover in spring conditions, fuel-thinning is increasing wildfire potential.

Other research, for example by Dr. Lori Daniels, UBC Koerner Chair Wildfire Co-Existence, does not come to the same conclusion. Dr. Daniels shared her research and conclusions at the December 3, 2024 CCF Information Session held at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. Her research shows proactive fuel treatments reduce the chance of crown fire by half, increasing forest resilience in the wildland urban interface of Whistler.

The CCF wants to understand the situation better so will continue to work with scientists including Dr. Millikin to provide answers to the questions raised. The CCF will explore options for learning more about the effects of green fuel breaks in reducing wildfire behaviour in the CCF tenure area. While Dr. Millikin is also interested in researching how sprinklers on houses could reduce wildfire impacts, the CCF can’t be part of that work as it is on private properties. In the meantime, the CCF will continue its plans to thin identified high risk second-growth forests to reduce wildfire behaviour.

The Cheakamus Community Forest hosted an information session on December 3, 2024 at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre focused on the new climate resiliency planning and implementation approach, as well as how wildfire (Whistler’s biggest climate threat) mitigation projects affect Whistler forests.

An engaged crowd listened to Nick Soverel of Frontera Forest Solutions discuss how the CCF is evolving its Ecosystem-based Management Plan into a strategic, Climate Resiliency Plan. The effects of climate change are more pronounced since the EBM Plan was developed in 2009, and while the EBM is still the foundation, it didn’t address wildfire or climate change. The climate resiliency plan will do a risk assessment of the CCF land base to determine where it is most vulnerable to wildfire, drought and pest infestation over the next decades.

As wildfire is the biggest risk to Whistler’s forests, it’s important to understand the impacts of wildfire mitigation projects, or fuel thinning. Dr. Lori Daniels, UBC Koerner Chair Wildfire Coexistence at discussed how her research in Whistler’s forests clearly shows that treating young and mature second growth forests significantly reduces the risk of active crown fire. Dr. Daniels and a group of forestry students conducted the field research in September 2024 and to show the results. Daniels 2024 12 CCF Info Session

Andy Kwan, Chartwell Resource Group Ltd., followed by discussing how the Chartwell team will use the risk assessment and wildfire research to prepare strategic forest management plans to gradually make the CCF forests more diverse, wildfire resistant and climate resilient for the long term. CCF Strategic Harvesting Plans

Their presentations were followed by a lively Q&A session with the audience. If you missed the information session and have questions, please contact Heather Beresford, CCF Executive Director, at info@cheakamuscommunityforest.com.

The Cheakamus Community Forest is pleased to announce that Molly Hudson joins the Board representing the Squamish Nation along with Kathleen Edwards, Director Rights and Title. We thank Gary Muuren for his participation and insights that contributed to our success in the last year.

Molly has recently joined Nch’Kay Development Corporation, the Squamish Nation’s economic development arm as its Vice President, Forestry and Sustainability. Molly is a Registered Professional Biologist and Registered Professional Forester who previously worked for Mosaic Forest Management as its VP of sustainability and Chief Forester.

Her leadership guided Mosaic’s work in forest management certifications, operations, community relations, sustainability initiatives, environmental performance, fish and wildlife management, and the species at risk program. Her work helped Mosaic win the Sustainable Forestry Initiative’s 2023 Leadership in Conservation Award for its early adoption of climate-smart forestry objectives.

Her knowledge and expertise will help move the CCF’s planning and operations to the next level. Welcome Molly!

Join Heather Beresford, Executive Director of the Cheakamus Community Forest, for an informative walk on Monday, July 15. Meet at the Whistler Interpretive Forest Parking lot at 5:15. We’ll depart at 5:30 and do an easy walking loop around the trails back to the parking lot in about an hour. Learn what’s happening in the CCF and bring your questions!

The Cheakamus Community Forest has started a Facebook page. Follow us there to keep up to date on activities.