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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
HOUSTON – On behalf of Forests Minister Michael de Jong,
Bulkley Valley-Stikine MLA Dennis MacKay today announced the District of
Houston will be invited to apply for a community forest agreement bringing new
economic opportunities to the region.
“This is an opportunity to bring
more jobs and revenues into this region,” said MacKay. “Last year, the Burns
Lake Community Forest was able to donate more than $120,000 to worthy
organizations like the Lakes District Food Bank, volunteer fire department and
local First Nations groups – it is our hope that this tenure, if awarded, will
provide similar benefits.”
“Through the Forestry Revitalization
Plan and timber reallocation, we are providing communities with a foundation
for employment, innovative new partnerships, and timber to support local mills
and value-added operations,” said de Jong. “That benefits forestry workers, the
community and the region as a whole.”
The District of Houston will be invited to apply for
a probationary community forest licence, providing about 20,000 cubic metres of
timber annually in the Morice timber supply area. The timber volume will be
confirmed once the provincewide timber reallocation is complete. Before a
formal invitation can be extended, the Ministry of Forests must consult with
potentially affected First Nations.
“This is a much-needed
opportunity for our community and region,” said District of Houston Mayor
Sharon Smith. “If awarded this tenure, we will work hard to build a solid
forestry operation that will provide the jobs and revenue needed to help
sustain our community in the long term.”
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 agreement-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. Since August 2004, government has provided community forest
opportunities for 17 communities across the Province.
For more information on this community forest
agreement opportunity and other ministry initiatives visit: http://www.gov.bc.ca/for/ online.
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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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