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The Village of Clinton and the Cotez Island Community Forest Advisory Group have been invited to apply for a new community forest, announced Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson, while at the BC Community Forests Association annual general meeting in 100 Mile House.

The community forest will have an allowable annual cut of up to 20,000 cubic metres in the 100 Mile House Timber Supply Area with an initial term of 25 years. The invitation is subject to First Nations consultation.

As well, now that the Village of Clinton has been invited to apply for the community forest, they need to submit a management plan to the ministry for approval before the community forest agreement can be issued.

Quotes:

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

“Community forests account for nearly two per cent of the total allowable annual cut in B.C. and I’m pleased to invite the Village of Clinton to join and expand on this success. This is just one of the ways we’re working to help families by diversifying the forest sector in B.C.”

Mayor of Clinton Roland Stanke  –

“This is a great opportunity for Clinton and fits in with our community plan. I’d like to thank the community forest advisory group and the Province for their support in making this project a reality. Having a community forest will help us build a stronger economy.”

Quick Facts:

·         The community forest boundary includes the village’s watershed.

·         Community forest agreements are a form of legal tenure that enable communities to more fully participate in the stewardship of local Crown forest resources.

·         Community forests are area-based and give communities exclusive rights to harvest timber, as well as the opportunity to manage and profit from other forest resources such as botanical products, recreation, wildlife, water and scenic viewscapes.

·         More than 50 community forests are operating or are in the planning stages in B.C.

Learn More:

http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hth/timber-tenures/community/index.htm

http://www.bccfa.ca/