Residents of Vanderhoof are positioned to benefit from added economic stability, employment opportunities and increased local forest stewardship through the creation of the Vanderhoof Community Forest.

Located approximately 15 kilometres north of Vanderhoof, the Vanderhoof community forest agreement covers 23,181 hectares.

The agreement has an initial term of 25 years and is replaceable for another 25-year term after 10 years.

In addition to timber harvesting, other uses of the community forest will include outdoor recreation with the Waterlily Lake cross-country ski and hiking trails, and the Omineca Trail, which is part of an ancient Carrier First Nation trail route.

To support the agreement and build a strong and diverse local forest sector, Vanderhoof Community Forest has partnered with local forest company L&M Lumber Ltd. (Nechako Lumber Co. Ltd.). Additionally, plans are in the works to invigorate a demonstration forest with local education partners such as Nechako Valley Secondary school and the Council of Forest Industries.

Community forest agreements are long-term, area-based tenures designed to encourage community involvement in the management of local forests. A community forest is managed by a local government, community group or First Nation for the benefit of the entire community.

Quotes:

Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations –

“Community forests are one avenue the Province is taking to provide a boost to rural forest economies. With this community forest being offered to Vanderhoof, residents can also look forward to associated job opportunities and greater input into how local forests are managed.”

John Rustad, MLA for Nechako Lakes –

“The Vanderhoof Community Forest is another example of just what can be accomplished when we all set our sights on a common goal. By partnering with a local lumber company, Vanderhoof has been able to secure this community forest. It’s great news for the local economy.”

Gerry Thiessen, mayor, District of Vanderhoof –

“What an amazing day! We have been working on realizing a community forest since I was first elected mayor some eight years ago. We are incredibly excited about the opportunities that a community forest brings. The idea of a community forest for Vanderhoof developed from a desire for long-term employment opportunities, increased self-reliance, and the kind of local-level decision making that leads to sustainable forest management. We will have a much larger role to play within our area’s major industry, forestry.”

Erik Leslie, president, BC Community Forest Association –

“Congratulations to the Vanderhoof community on being awarded this community forest agreement. The BC Community Forest Association represents the interests of community forests all across B.C., and is here to help Vanderhoof leverage opportunities and generate benefits in whatever unique way they choose to manage their community forest.”

Quick Facts:

• Our Natural Advantage: A Forest Sector Strategy for British Columbia identifies community forests as a key element in supporting prosperous rural forest economies.
• In British Columbia, there are 57 community forests issued or communities that are close to getting one, accounting for approximately two million cubic metres of timber volume.

Learn More:

District of Vanderhoof: http://www.vanderhoof.ca

British Columbia’s strategy for continued growth in the forest sector, Our Natural Advantage: Forest Sector Strategy for British Columbia: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/mof/forestsectorstrategy/Forest_Strategy_WEB.PDF