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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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MASSET – North Coast MLA Bill Belsey joined minister of state for Forestry Operations Roger Harris in inviting the Village of Masset to apply for a community forest agreement, bringing new economic opportunities to the Queen Charlotte Islands region.
“The community of Masset – and indeed the whole Haida Gwaii region – is known for its inclusive, collaborative approach to decision-making,” said Belsey. “In creating this community forest opportunity, this government has provided a means of creating a local resource plan that will benefit and reflect the region, its people and its values.”
“A community forest agreement will create employment, support area businesses and enable Masset to work with stakeholders throughout northern Graham Island to create a forestry plan as unique as the community itself,” said Harris. “This is the strength of this form of tenure and the reason why our government is committed to creating new opportunities such as this throughout the province.”
The Village of Masset has been invited to apply for a probationary community forest agreement, providing about 25,000 cubic metres of timber annually. The community license area will be on Graham Island, with the exact tenure location to be determined in coming months.
“We look forward to working with the Haida Nation and local stakeholders to bring new employment and greater economic security to the region,” said Masset Mayor Barry Pages. “What’s more, a secure fibre supply will pave the way for new value-added initiatives, while providing greater stability for existing operations.”
Community forest agreements are a mechanism by which the Province transfers decision-making to communities wanting to participate more fully in stewardship of their local forest resource. Community forest tenures are area-based, giving the holders exclusive stewardship of an area of forest land for the duration of the agreement. The probationary agreements are for five years, when they may be extended a further five years or replaced with a long-term 25 to 99-year agreement. Since August 2004, government has provided community forest opportunities for 13 communities across B.C.
For more information on this community forest agreement and other ministry programs and projects visit: http://www.gov.bc.ca/for/ online.
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