COMMUNITY INFORMATION RELEASESubject: Bradley Creek Road – Wildfire Salvage Harvesting and Road UpgradesDate: May 14, 2025From: OKIB Territorial Stewardship Division

Purpose of the Work
The Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) is moving forward with salvage harvesting operations in the Bradley Creek area, which was heavily impacted by the 2021 White Rock Lake Fire. This work focuses on removing dead standing (fire-killed) timber to support ecological recovery and reduce wildfire risks, while protecting Syilx values and environmental standards.

What’s Happening?
Between mid-May and July 2025, OKIB and Tolko Industries will be undertaking the following activities:

• Salvage Harvesting of dead standing timber – some green timber may be harvested due to safety or forest health ( Douglas Fir Bark Beetle) reasons
• Road Upgrades along Bradley Creek Road to allow safe access for logging trucks. This includes:
  • Widening the road to ~5m
  • Creating new pullouts
  • Ditching and installing culverts where needed

Hauling Route & Safety
Harvested timber will be hauled northbound on Bradley Creek Road onto Westside Road, then onto Highway 97.
To ensure safety:

• Warning signs will be posted on Westside Road and Bradley Creek Road
• Truck drivers will use two-way radios to coordinate safe entry onto Westside Road

OKIB Oversight
OKIB will have a field monitor on-site throughout the road construction and harvesting to:

• Ensure all work stays within the approved road prism
• Enforce compliance with environmental and safety standards

Why This Matters
This salvage harvesting is part of OKIB’s long-term recovery plan for fire-affected areas. Removing fire-killed trees and replanting the area will:

• Help stabilize soils and reduce erosion
• Support water quality and wildlife habitat recovery
• Contribute to a healthier, more resilient forest ecosystem

Impact to Community

• No OKIB members currently use Bradley Creek Road as a primary access route
• All project costs and safety measures are the responsibility of Tolko Industries
• OKIB will ensure that work is carried out in alignment with community values

We appreciate your understanding as we carry out this important restoration work and will provide additional updates as the project progresses.

limləmt

Okanagan Indian Band – Territorial Stewardship Division

Questions or Concerns?
Please contact the Territorial Stewardship Division at:
📞 250-542-7132]
📧 tsdreception@okanagan.org