As noted in our previous posts[1], standardized resource road channels are coming into use in various areas of BC at staggered times.
The latest update from the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations notes that the next area to undergo this change is a large portion of the Southern Interior Forest Region, including Quesnel, Thompson Rivers, Cascades, Okanagan Shuswap and Chilliwack.[2] The date scheduled for this change is May 4th, 2015.
As of June 1, 2015 portions of the Northern Interior Areas will also make the move to RR. Specifically, Prince George, Robson Valley, Mackenzie, Stuart Nechako (Vanderhoof and Fort St. James), Nadina (Burns Lake and Houston) and Skeena Stikine Forest Districts.
A rough idea of the included area can be determined by use of this map from 2011: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/mof/maps/regdis/nRNI.htm
Prior to May 4th and June 1st respectively, radio users in the above areas must have pre-programmed the new 40 RR channels into radios. As previously mentioned, compliance with this requirement may require a newer narrow band radio to accommodate the channels.
In an effort to promote a smooth transition, it is advised that resource road users become familiar with the new signs. Information regarding the content and interpretation of these new signs can be found here: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hth/engineering/sign_standards.htm
Walco will continue to endeavor to provide updates as they occur.
[1] http://walcoradio.com/changes-to-resource-road-channels/
http://walcoradio.com/tag/resource-roads/
[2]http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hth/engineering/documents/Road_Radio_Project/DM%20Letter%20OKShuswap%20February%202015.pdf