A joint venture of NK'Mip Forestry and Infinity-Pacific Stewardship Group
Oliver, B.C.: Nk’Mip Forestry, the professional forestry branch of the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB), is continuing wildfire risk reduction work near Green Lake Road as part of the Vaseux project area within the Vaseux-Bighorn National Wildlife Area.
Following a series of wildfires and other natural disturbances, the project area has gradually become denser, with trees growing closer together and woody debris accumulating on the forest floor. These changes have increased the risk of wildfires and made the habitat less suitable for wildlife that depend on more open conditions. This project aims to reduce the wildfire risk while also improving overall conditions on the land.
“The work completed so far is focused on preparing the area in a way that reduces wildfire risk while maintaining important features on the land,” said Vern Louie, Head of Operations, OIB. “It’s about getting the land ready before the next steps take place.”
Work on the ground began in October 2025 with tree marking, as crews went through the area to identify those that would remain, helping to maintain forest structure and protect important habitat. In March 2026, crews returned to carry out thinning work, removing smaller trees and vegetation. This included work in steep areas and ravines where machines cannot safely access and where manual work is required.
All of this work is part of preparing the site for the next phase. The goal is to reduce the amount of material on the forest floor and open up the area so that future treatments can be carried out safely and effectively.
“The project is still in its early stages,” added Louie. “Machine work is expected next, followed by a controlled cultural burn. The timing of this work depends on weather, site conditions, and coordination with BC Wildfire Service.”
The project is being led by Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Canadian Wildlife Service, in partnership with the OIB, R.W. Gray Consulting Ltd., the University of British Columbia (UBC), and BC Wildfire Service. The long-term goal is to bring the area back to a more open landscape, with native grasses, shrubs, and widely spaced trees that better support wildlife and reduce wildfire risk.
“This work is about improving conditions for wildlife and reducing the risk of severe wildfire,” said René McKibbin, Environment and Climate Change Canada. “By thinning the area and using fire in a controlled way, we can help the land recover and function more naturally.”
Research support for the project is being provided by UBC’s Forest Action Lab, where work is underway to better understand the costs and outcomes of this type of treatment.
“We are working with the Nk’Mip Forestry team to better understand the costs and value of this work on the land,” said Zexi Liu, Research Scientist with the Forest Action Lab at UBC. “This helps support planning and future wildfire risk reduction work.”
One of the project’s objectives also includes protecting important environmental and cultural features. During field work, crews identified and protected key plant species, including mature juniper, recognizing their importance to the landscape and the community.
Access to the site requires coordination with multiple private landowners, and work is planned carefully to ensure safe access for crews and equipment. Safety remains a priority, with crews using radio communication while on site, regular check-ins, and coordinated entry and exit due to limited access and the distance to emergency services.
As the project progresses, updates will be provided to help the community understand ongoing activities on the land and what to expect, including future controlled burns. Through this work, Nk’Mip Forestry continues to reduce wildfire risk, support wildlife habitat, and carry out forestry work that reflects the needs of the land and the community over the long term.
About Nk’Mip Forestry
Nk’Mip Forestry LLP was formed in 2014 when the Osoyoos Indian Band strategically decided to pull together their forest management efforts toward the rising need for sustainable economic development, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation within the community through forestry. Nk’Mip Forestry is a major contributor to the local economy and is committed to applying Okanagan cultural and environmental values in all operations. Fully OIB-owned, the company ensures that licensed forestry areas are harvested sustainably, using methods that help preserve the forest and all its ecological attributes for future generations. Learn more: www.nkmipforestry.ca
Follow Nk’Mip Forestry on social media: LinkedIn
About Siya Forestry
Established in February 2024, Siya Forestry is a joint venture between Nk’Mip Forestry LLP of the Osoyoos Indian Band and Infinity-Pacific Stewardship Group Ltd., dedicated to advancing forestry practices and supporting community development in the Okanagan, Kootenay, and Boundary regions. Learn more here: https://siyaforestry.ca/
Follow Siya Forestry on social media: LinkedIn | Facebook
For more information or an interview with Nk’Mip Forestry, contact:
Aleece Laird, Communications Liaison, (250) 574 0221 | aleece@amplifyinc.ca
