Vancouver Island search and rescue team reaches first-of-its-kind agreement with forestry company
A Vancouver Island search and rescue team and a major forestry company announced a deal on Sunday that could be the first of many to benefit rescue groups on the island.
Mosaic Forest Management and Arrowsmith Search and Rescue have reached a deal to allow the volunteer group to formally conduct training exercises in forested back areas owned by the company as well as getting better access to data about its properties.
"Search and rescue is such an important part of keeping people safe who are recreating out in the back-country in the forest, and we’re really excited to be able to provide some streamlined opportunities for search and rescue to access our lands," said Pam Jorgenson, land use forester for Mosaic.
The agreement also gives searchers access to Mosaic’s database of ever-changing roads and conditions on their properties, something search manager Nick Rivers says will enable teams to be better prepared when they’re out looking for lost individuals.
"That means all the new logging roads, where they’re logging, what (are) the future plans, what roads are deactivated and gated – it's information we never had before," Rivers said.
Arrowsmith Search and Rescue teams are pictured in this file photo: (CTV News)
This marks the first agreement the forest company has made with one of the many search groups accessing its lands. It is expected others agreements will be reached in the future.
"We’re actually committed to having similar kinds of agreements with all of the search and rescue groups that are active on our lands so I’ve already initiated outreach to a number of those groups and we’ll be setting up opportunities to talk about similar opportunities in the next couple of months," Jorgenson said.
Rivers says the agreement could also bring more assistance in the forests when actual searches take place.
"They’re interested in being a larger supporter and a larger helping effort in applying resources and management for missing people on their land and/or rescues," said Rivers.
Another part of the agreement should allow for better communications between Mosaic and the public that utilizes their back areas.
"It’s going to allow us to communicate in a smooth and streamlined way," said Jorgenson. "So meeting on a regular basis, talking about outreach to communities and even if there’s an avalanche hazard or a major rainfall issue, potentially we can collaborate on communication and make sure the public hears what they need to hear."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.