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CHASE – The Adams Lake Indian Band will receive $1.7 million and access to more than 273,000 cubic metres of timber through two forestry agreements reached with the Province, Forests and Range Minister Rich Coleman announced today.
“These agreements will help create new jobs and new economic opportunities for the people of Adams Lake,” said Coleman. “First Nations are also important partners in our ongoing effort to recover as much economic value as possible from mountain pine beetle-attacked trees.”
Under the three-year mountain pine beetle agreement, the Adams Lake Indian Band will gain access to 86,235 cubic metres of beetle wood within the Kamloops Timber Supply Area. A forest and range opportunities agreement will provide access to an additional 187,545 cubic metres of timber and $1.7 million in shared revenue over five years.
“Our goal is to build economic stability in our community, not only for today, but tomorrow and future generations,” said Adams Lake Chief Nelson Leon. “These agreements will help create employment and economic opportunities for band members and hopefully allow us to re-open the Adams Lake Band Lumber Mill – ALDCO Wood Products.”
The Adams Lake Indian Band’s main
community is near Chase. It runs a small forestry department that provides
mapping services to both First Nations and non-First Nations clients.
“These agreements, and the benefits that will result, are examples of what’s possible when we work together,” said Kamloops North Thompson MLA Kevin Krueger. “This will not only benefit the Adams Lake Indian Band, but the broader community as well.”
Since 2002, the Province has reached agreements with 118 First Nations, sharing more than $154.9 million in revenue and access to 23.1 million cubic metres of timber.
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contact: |
Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Forests and Range 250 387-8486 |
Adams Lake Indian Band 250 679-8841 |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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