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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
TUMBLER RIDGE – Today Peace River South MLA Blair Lekstrom and Forests Minister Michael de Jong announced a community forest opportunity for the District of Tumbler Ridge, bringing local control of forest resources to the community.
“Today’s announcement gives this region a new opportunity for economic diversification,” said Lekstrom. “This creates new employment, skills training and revenues that can be funnelled back into the community to meet its needs and goals.”
“Through the Forestry Revitalization Plan and the small tenures expansion program, we are providing communities with the foundation to generate revenue and employment, while supporting local forestry operations,” said de Jong. “Last year, the Kaslo and District Community Forest Society was able to donate more than $140,000 to local organizations. If awarded, it is our hope that a community forest opportunity for Tumbler Ridge will similarly benefit the northeast.”
The District of Tumbler Ridge will be invited to apply for a probationary community forest licence, providing about 20,000 cubic metres of timber annually in the Dawson Creek timber supply area. Before a formal invitation can be extended, the Ministry of Forests must consult with potentially affected First Nations.
“We
see this as an opportunity to manage the forests for a variety of social and
economic interests,” said District of Tumbler Ridge Mayor Clay Iles.
“Community-based forest tenure will allow us to further diversify our economic
base and provide us with some element of control over the land around us.
Access to a secure timber volume will help generate new business and employment
opportunities, while creating a base of support for our existing logging community.”
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 18 communities across the province.
For more information on this community forest agreement opportunity and other ministry programs 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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