By John McClary
Tyrel and Luke Hohmann and their young families live on the west side of the Fraser River, south of Quesnel BC. Hohmann Brothers Contracting Ltd. is the holder of Woodlot 0517 in the Quesnel Resource District, adjacent to the Esdilagh First Nation Reserve. The Allowable Annual Cut is about 500 cubic meters per year. They purchased the woodlot in 2019 and have two more woodlots in the area.
Additionally, they manage an 800 acre ranch with cattle, horses, and some timber resources. Tyrel and Luke began their careers working for large logging contractors. They started their own logging business in 2011 and now work mostly on local woodlots. In 2019, they decided to try managing their own woodlot. They attend training workshops and try to learn “hands on” what works for their area.
Tyrel emphasized sustainable forest management and watching log markets. They focus on selective logging and good relationships with clients. They log the local First Nation’s two woodlots and Forest Woodland Licence. They participate in fire prevention efforts with support from the local community.
There are no issues with recreational users, but some minor challenges in the area with firewood cutters. Mule Deer winter range is manageable. No major concerns with Species at Risk, except managing Fisher habitat protection in older spruce stands. They have a good working relationship with the local Ministry of Forest staff. While they do use local forestry consultants for certain aspects, they try to do as much as they can by themselves. They want to have one Cutting Permit for each of their woodlots. W0517 is located between the drier Douglas Fir zone and the wetter Spruce Pine Fir zone. A large portion of W0517 has been previously logged. The 30-year-old regen is doing very well. The area has had Mountain Pine Beetle infestations.
Tyrel’s favourite moments are harvesting and rehabbing of salvage areas and then replanting. Also, visiting the woodlots with his family and drilling core samples for tree ages.
Our future goals are to enhance the productivity of the woodlot in a sustainable manner, focusing on growing more trees and improving wildlife habitat.
Tyrel expressed a desire to pass the woodlot onto his children and continue fostering his family’s connection to the land.
Tyrel advises prospective woodlot owners to seize any opportunities to purchase and manage a woodlot. He emphasized the long-term benefits of investing in woodlot management as the return is “manyfold.” He highlighted the importance of understanding the woodlot’s condition before purchasing and being prepared to invest in its management as the opportunity to be involved in forest management in your local area is a gift!
