Whereas community forests play a vital role in supporting local economies, fostering community resilience, and promoting sustainable forest management practices; And whereas mill closures, curtailing operations, and significant job losses have devastated rural communities, resulting in severe economic decline, decreased community stability, and limited opportunities for economic recovery; And whereas there is an urgent need to expand the size of community forests and increase access to land and fiber around communities to enhance economic opportunities, promote resilience, and support sustainable development, alongside fostering improved collaboration in FireSmart initiatives and the effective implementation of wildfire mitigation measures: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urges the Province of BC to support the expansion of community forests, facilitating increased access to land and fiber resources and streamlining regulatory process to promote sustainable development and economic growth in rural and Indigenous communities across British Columbia.
Ministry of Forests Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation The Ministry of Forests is working with the BC Community Forest Association to promote growth of Community Forests by encouraging partnerships Indigenous and non-Indigenous for new Community Forest Agreements CFAs and expansion of existing tenures. Growth of the program is limited given the lack of available volume in the timber supply areas and government priorities to advance reconciliation with First Nations. Ministry of Forests staff are currently undertaking a review of BC Timber Sales BCTS which will evaluate the potential for improved partnerships with communities to support expansion of the program, as committed to by government. One of the objectives of the BCTS review is to promote partnership with communities to provide more jobs for workers, contractors, and the communities they reside in. BCTS, together with communities working in partnership, can promote sustainable development and economic growth in rural and Indigenous communities across British Columbia. The Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation JEDI works with rural and Indigenous communities to support economic development. JEDI has specialized staff on-the-ground throughout BC to provide free and accessible economic development services to local governments, Indigenous communities, businesses and economic development agencies. JEDI also ensures supports are in place for workers and communities after a community transition event, such as a mill closure. JEDI staff are available to provide expertise and facilitate resources for advancing economic development projects such as community forests.