Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson announced an expansion to the Burns Lake Community Forest that will provide the community-owned forest corporation with access to timber resources near Ling Lake.

The expansion was completed last month when Lakes Timber Health & Salvage received final approval to transfer its 5,400-hectare community salvage licence, with an allowable annual cut of 25,000 cubic metres, to the Burns Lake Community Forest.

The transfer decision was made by Lakes Timber Health & Salvage due to economic factors and severe mountain pine beetle infestation in the Burns Lake area making small-scale salvage impractical. The decision was made in consultation with the Village of Burns Lake.

The additional 5,400 hectares of Crown forest brings the Burns Lake Community Forest's total area to nearly 91,500 hectares. The community-owned forest corporation is allowed to harvest up to 260,000 cubic metres per year.

Quotes:

Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad -

"Burns Lake was one of the first communities to benefit from a community forest agreement. Expanding their operating area will enable Burns Lake to enjoy continued success creating forestry jobs and generating revenue to address local priorities."

Quick Facts:

• Burns Lake Community Forest Ltd. was formed in December 1998.
• Burns Lake signed the province's first community forest pilot agreement in July 2000.
• In April 2005, they became the first organization in B.C. to be awarded a long-term (25 year) community forest agreement.
• Burns Lake Community Forest planted its 10-millionth seedling in July 2010.
• Revenues generated by the Burns Lake Community Forest have been invested in recreation trails, and funding for community and educational groups (including the local library and seniors' housing).
• Community forest agreements are a form of tenure that enable communities to more fully participate in the stewardship of local Crown forest resources.
• They are area-based, and give communities exclusive rights to harvest timber, as well as the opportunity to manage other forest values such as botanical products, recreation, wildlife, water and scenic viewscapes.
• More than 50 community forests are operating or are in the planning stages in British Columbia.

Learn More:

About the Burns Lake Community Forest Agreement: http://blcomfor.com/

About the British Columbia Community Forest Association: http://www.bccfa.ca/

Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 953-3675
Dawn Stronstad

Manager
Burns Lake Community Forest Ltd.
250 692-7724, local 222