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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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SECHELT – MLA Harold Long and Minister of State for Forestry Operations Roger Harris today extended an invitation to Sechelt to apply for a community forest agreement, bringing economic benefits and control of local forest resources to the Sunshine Coast.
“The value of community forests is in the value each community places on them,” said Long. “Revenue from a community forest tenure will allow this community to put resources where it needs them most – whether that’s hiking trails, community education or books for a school library, the spin-off possibilities are enormous.”
The District of Sechelt has been invited to apply for a probationary community forest licence providing 20,000 cubic metres of timber annually in the Sunshine Coast timber supply area. The volume will be made available after the provincewide timber reallocation process is completed over the next several months.
“Communities have asked for greater control of their local resources, and this government has listened by following through on our Forestry Revitalization Plan,” said Harris. “A community forest tenure will allow Sechelt to make decisions about its forest resources to meet the economic, social and environmental needs of the community.”
“We are thrilled the provincial government is providing this opportunity – it is a great fit for our community,” said Sechelt Mayor Cameron Reid. “A community forest tenure will allow us to derive revenues from our local forest resource while managing that resource in a way that reflects our community values.”
Community forest agreements are a mechanism by which the province transfers decision-making to communities that wish to more fully participate in the stewardship of their local forest resources. Community forest tenures are area-based, giving the holders exclusive stewardship of an area of forest land over the term of the agreement. The probationary agreements are initially for five years, at which time they may be extended for another five years or replaced with a long-term agreement of 25 to 99 years.
For more information on this community forest agreement and other Ministry initiatives, visit www.gov.bc.ca/for online.
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