The City of Williams Lake and the Williams Lake Indian Band have been invited by Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Land and Natural Resource Operations to apply for a Community Forest Agreement. The Community Forest will encompass two areas (South Block and North Block) capable of supporting an annual harvest of 40,000m³/year.

The City and the Band are in the process of forming a legal partnership to hold the license.  The partnership is based on their Letter of Understanding which both parties have signed.

The proposed goals for the community forest (which are currently open for comment) are:

•         To operate the community forest as a viable forestry enterprise.

•         To reflect community values and respect the land.

•         To sustainably manage for all forest resources.

•         To generate revenue for local economic development and community stability initiatives.

•         To realize socio-economic benefits such as local employment and economic activity associated with milling and   manufacturing.

•         To enhance local partnerships that support forest education and an increased public understanding of forestry.

The Band and the City are very interested in hearing and understanding your views with respect to the management of resources within the community forest. 

To discuss your views contact Ken Day at 250-392-2207 or email at WLCommunityForest@shaw.ca.