West Fraser Cochrane has announced its decision to pause this year's harvest plans for the Upper Highwood of Kananaskis.
The decision follows the international diversified wood products company's acquisition of Spray Lake Sawmills on Nov. 17, 2023. It is currently in the process of being rebranded West Fraser Cochrane.
Company officials first wants to meet with local groups who have expressed interest in their planned activities. Additionally, West Fraser will be meeting with federal Fisheries and Oceans officials to discuss the controversial bridge built over the Highwood River by Spray Lake Sawmills.
"We will work to incorporate actionable information that we garner through these conversations into our future harvest plans for the Highwood," states the update. "Additionally, we are scheduling meetings with DFO to discuss the bridge over the Highwood River and will not be using it in advance of these discussions."
While the pause is not permanent, the Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) is among those calling it a win for Albertans.
“We are glad to see that West Fraser is taking the time to consult with concerned groups, however, we hope they will reconsider these logging plans altogether,” says Devon Earl, AWA conservation specialist.
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