 |
| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
|
| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
ALKALI LAKE – MLA for Cariboo South Walt Cobb and minister of state for Forestry Operations Roger Harris announced the award of a 25-year community forest agreement bringing economic benefits and local control of forest resources to Esketemc First Nation near Alkali Lake, south of Williams Lake.
“Community forests bring local benefits to their
communities,” said Cobb. “This long-term agreement is a result of the success
that Esketemc have had to date – harvesting over 40,000 cubic metres on their
community forest – and will help ensure continued success by enabling them to
plan for the long-term.”
The Esketemc First Nation has been issued a letter replacing the pilot agreement signed in 2001, with a long-term community forest licence, providing up to 17,000 cubic metres of timber annually for at least 25 years in the Alkali Lake area. As well, the Esketemc have been offered an additional 5,000 cubic metres that will become available once the provincewide timber reallocation process is complete.
“Since July, we’ve announced
14 new or expanded community forest agreements in all regions of the province,
helping diversify tenure holdings, returning local control of local resources
and providing increased access to timber for
local processing plants,” said
Harris. “Through our Forestry Revitalization Plan, we’re committed to providing
new opportunities to communities, First Nations and smaller operators.”
“Esketemc
see our Community Forest Agreement and Forest Licence as significant steps
towards achieving our rightful place within the forest industry of this
province,” said Chief Dave Belleau. “We
look forward to working co-operatively with provincial resource agencies,
neighbouring First Nations, major forest licensees and other stakeholders
toward the goal of developing a forest industry that is economically, socially
and environmentally sustainable.”
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 land base. Community forest tenures are area-based, giving the-holders exclusive stewardship of a geographic area of forest land over the term of the agreement. This agreement is the second pilot agreement to be replaced by a long-term agreement over 25 years.
For more information on this community forest agreement and other ministry initiatives:
http://www.gov.bc.ca/for/ online.
-30-
|
|
||
|
contact: |
Communications Director Ministry of Forests 250 387-8486 |
|
|
|
||
|
Visit the Province's website at www.gov.bc.ca for online information and services. |
||
