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BARRIERE – Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Kevin Krueger and Forests Minister Michael de Jong announced today the provision of up to 300,000 cubic metres of beetle-timber to provide stronger economic opportunities to the Lower North Thompson Valley.
“Forestry
is important to many people in this region,” said Krueger. “This government has
designed an agreement that will bring greater sustainability to the community
forest group, and it demonstrates the mutual benefits to be gained through
co-operation and a willingness to think outside the box.”
“This
agreement is consistent with the North Thompson Band’s position that local
resources should be used to sustain the people living in our valley,” said
Chief Nathan Matthew. “It also demonstrates the band’s willingness to work with
our neighbours to maintain a viable rural economy.”
“By
combining the timber volume our group received with the volume awarded the
North Thompson Indian Band, government has facilitated a partnership that will
strengthen both our community forest operation and our communities,” said Al
Bush, chair of the Lower North Thompson Community Forest Society. “With today’s
agreement, the North Thompson is well on the road to rebuilding itself and
rising from the ashes of Firestorm 2003.”
“Today’s
agreement demonstrates this government’s commitment to providing communities
and First Nations with real opportunities in the forest economy,” said de
Jong.
Under the agreement, the North Thompson Indian Band, in partnership with the Lower North Thompson Community Forest Society, will receive up to 300,000 cubic metres of timber over three years in the Kamloops timber supply area. This timber volume will supplement the 20,000 cubic metres that the Minister of Forests offered to the Lower North Thompson Community Forest Society on Dec. 3.
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contact: |
Communications Director Ministry of Forests 250 387-8486 |
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Visit the Province's website at www.gov.bc.ca for online information and services. |
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