Port Clements has written to Forests Minister Rich Coleman with concerns about stumpage rates being charged to the small business loggers on the islands.
According to council members, major forest companies are paying lower and lower stumpage rates, despite Ministry of Forests assurances over the past several years that a new system of competitive bidding system was being introduced.
Small business loggers, meanwhile, continue to pay high stumpage rates established through a bid process.
"Small business were told at MoF public presentations by both ministry and BCTS staff that they would now be on the same playing field as the majors and receive the same consideration for stumpage adjustments if warranted," the letter reads. "In actual fact this has not happened. The majors have received stumpage reductions ranging from 60 to 80-percent and there has been no adjustment for small business."
Dramatic decreases in log prices have left many locals in a disastrous situation, and the letter appeals to Mr. Coleman to adjust the stumpage charges.
Port council members will also be meeting with the Ministry of Forests at the Union of BC Municipalities conference in Vancouver later this month.