This particular area was chosen for an ILUP for several reasons. Forests cover more than 50 per cent of the area and negotiations for a Forest Management Agreement are ongoing. In addition to industrial timber harvesting operations, the plan must accommodate uses such as roads, mineral exploration, power lines, railroads, cabins, recreation sites and water control structures. The government recognizes that the ecological, aesthetic, cultural, spiritual, scientific and economic value of the area resources are important to the region and the province as a whole. It is home to moose, elk, white-tailed deer, black bear and woodland caribou, and supports large populations of small mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish.
All land use planning takes place within administrative structures and constraints.
Various federal and provincial legislation exist that affect lands and resources, directly or indirectly. Aboriginal participation in the process is critical. The area contains several reserves and Treaty Land Entitlement lands. Traditional Aboriginal activities include hunting, fishing, trapping, outfitting, ceremonial pursuits, forestry and harvesting plants for food and medicine. Local zoning bylaws and administrative partnerships affect resource and land use in the area.