Three communities will be getting some forestry support from the province.
Vanderhoof, Fort St. James and Fraser Lake will be better able to manage forest resources, protect against wildfires and secure local forestry jobs with the expansion of community forests.
The second phase of the Prince George Timber Supply apportionment decision will allocate a total of 60,000 cubic metres to these communities.
The first round of apportionment in May 2021 allocated more than 1.2 million cubic metres to First Nations in the area.
“Community forests are an excellent tool to put local priorities into decision-making on both the landscape level choices and where fibre is utilized.” said Kevin Moutray, mayor of Vanderhoof.
“In our proposal for expansion, the District of Vanderhoof wishes to go into areas harvested and replanted 30-40 years ago to commercially thin them. This will reduce wildfire risk, provide local jobs and improve the stand for the next generation.”
The province said all community forest expansions are done with First Nations’ consultation, as their approach to forest stewardship is a blueprint for provincial and local governments to follow.
Community forests, along with the newly released BC Timber Sales review, are part of the government’s commitment to ensure the province’s forestry sector is sustainable, provides stable, well-paying jobs, and remains a cornerstone of B.C.’s economy today, tomorrow and for the next 100 years.
More information can be found on the Province’s website here.
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