LIKELY, BC – Community Futures of Cariboo Chilcotin and the BC Community Forests Association are developing marketing techniques that would enable their 48 members (across all regions of BC) to realize durable and/or sustainable economic activities. The purpose of the Bridges – Linking Resources for Community Forests project is to facilitate opportunities for value-added producers and Community Forests to develop beneficial fibre supply relationships. With better information exchange, value can be optimized by getting the right log/lumber, to the right place, at the right time.
The federal government’s Western Economic Diversification (WED) via REDI BC (Regional Economic Diversification Initiative) is contributing $119,994 (60%) of the total project costs. The Province of BC is both contributing funds ($10,000) and their HR expertise for this project under the Ministry of Community & Rural Development.
“Today’s announcement builds a foundation for exciting new economic opportunities. Building business linkages improve productivity and stimulate new opportunities to develop durable and sustainable economic activities in rural B.C.,” said Dick Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo – Prince George.
“Working together, the partners in this project can further unlock the tremendous economic opportunity community forests represent,” said Donna Barnett, Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA and Parliamentary Secretary for Pine Beetle Community Recovery. “Well functioning supply relationships between community forest holders and the value added wood sector will increase profitability for both, which in turn creates stable jobs and promotes community resilience.”
Other significant funding partners include:
- BC Community Forest Association
- Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT)
- Southern Interior Beetle Action Coalition
- Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition
- Omineca Beetle Action Coalition
- UBC Alex Fraser Research Forest
The total project costs are $199,994.
Project Outline
This project will encompass Three Phases:
- Create information systems that will facilitate an increased and more efficient movement of fibre between Community Forests and BC’s value-added wood manufacturing sector.
- Identify regional actions and business opportunities that will assist in expanding value-added wood manufacturing and enhance the financial viability of Community Forests and value-added operators.
- Strengthen the relationship between post-secondary research, teaching and Community Forests in rural BC. Providing a foundation for a long-term Community Forest extension program.
