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HEDLEY – The Upper Similkameen Indian Band will receive $135,000, establish a woodlot and gain access to more than 256,000 cubic metres of timber through two forestry agreements reached with the Province, Forests and Range Minister Rich Coleman announced today.
“A major goal of these agreements is to diversify British Columbia’s forest industry, while creating economic opportunities for First Nations,” said Coleman. “The Upper Similkameen Indian Band will be able to use its new timber volume to support its existing forestry operations and expand its new furniture-making business.”
The band’s woodlot volume will total up to 1,624 cubic metres of timber annually. A second short-term mountain pine beetle agreement grants access to 256,480 cubic metres of wood over five years. Timber volumes for both agreements will come from the Merritt Timber Supply Area.
The Upper Similkameen Indian Band is one of the biggest contractors working in the Cascades Forest District, harvesting an average of 200,000 cubic metres of timber annually. Its forestry enterprises include harvesting, engineering, silviculture and archaeological research. It also runs USIB Wood Products, which ships pine furniture to Alberta and across B.C.
“We believe in pursuing every opportunity to improve the lives of our people and to contribute to the surrounding community,” said Chief Rick Holmes. “The agreements recognized today support that vision.”
The Upper Similkameen Indian Band has eight reserves and 65 members, most of who live in Hedley.
Since 2002, the Province has reached agreement with 127 First Nations, providing $166.5 million in revenue and access to 24.4 million cubic metres of timber.
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contact: |
Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Forests and Range 250 387-4592 |
Upper Similkameen Indian Band 250 499-2221 |
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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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