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BC Community Forest Association releases 2018 Indicators Report

Sept. 14, 2018 - The BC Community Forest Association (BCCFA) has released its annual report which summarizes the benefits of community forestry in B.C.

Forty community forests participated in the survey, providing data from their last reporting year. This sample represents 93 per cent of the operating community forests in the BCCFA. Most are small rural communities, with an average population of 3,360.

“Every community forest is working to fulfill the range of expectations defined by their local community," said George Brcko, manager of the Wells Gray Community Forest and president of the BCCFA. "We created 18 indicators to measure how they are doing. This report, our fourth annual, not only shows that data, it includes dozens of stories and photos about how community forest organizations are creating incredible economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits for their Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.”

This year’s results show that community forests are creating 63 per cent more jobs/ m3 than the industry average in their forestry operations. They operate in sensitive areas, while reliably supplying logs to both major processing facilities and small manufacturers. They are showing leadership in reducing the risk of wildfire to their communities and have a significant role in the process of First Nations reconciliation beyond the legal requirements of the tenure.

A community forest agreement (CFA) is an area-based forest licence managed by a local government, community group, First Nation, or a partnership of local governments, First Nations and community groups, for the benefit of the entire community.

The BCCFA is a network of rural community-based organizations engaged in community forest management, and those seeking to establish new community forests. They represent over 90 rural and Indigenous communities across the province.

Find the Indicators Report and Executive Summary here: http://bccfa.ca/2018-indicators-report/

September 14, 2018  By BC Community Forest Association