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VICTORIA – The
Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k:tles7et'h' First Nations succeeded in obtaining a new woodlot licence in Kyuquot Sound, which will
create new community-based forestry opportunities on Vancouver Island, Forests
and Range Minister Pat Bell announced today.
“The
Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k:tles7et'h' are experienced woodlot operators and will use the new licence to create additional economic
benefits on the Island,” said Bell. “Their passion and respect for forestry is
not only a benefit to their members, it also strengthens the woodlot program
and shows how communities can achieve further success as we move forward.”
The
woodlot licence will include 754 hectares of Crown land on Union Island with an
allowable annual cut of 2,690 cubic metres, as well as 63 hectares of private
land. It is the second woodlot licence in the area operated by the
Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k:tles7et'h', who have managed a 400-hectare woodlot
licence on Vancouver Island since 1999.
“We are extremely happy to have been
awarded this woodlot as it means increased economic development and employment
in our traditional territory,” said Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k:tles7et'h' First Nations Chief
Therese Smith. “With the additional woodlots coming on line in Kyuquot Sound,
it means that the woodlot operators can work together and develop economies of
scale to address some of the challenges associated with operating in a remote
area. As long as woodlots remain in local hands, the woodlot program will
continue to work for Kyuquot.”
It will be the third woodlot licence in the area and one of more
than 60 the Province is offering over the next few years. Woodlot licences are small, area-based tenures that
combine private land with up to 800 hectares of Crown land
on the Coast and 1,200 hectares of Crown land in the Interior, and are managed
by individuals, groups or First Nations. Usually, they are replaceable tenures,
awarded for 20 years.
There are currently about 830 active
woodlot licences in British Columbia that generate jobs in planning,
harvesting, road construction and maintenance, reforestation, silviculture and
small-scale timber processing.
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Contact: |
Vivian Thomas Communications Ministry of Forests and Range 250 387-4592 |
Kevin Head Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k:tles7et'h' First Nations 250-332-5259 |
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