Community forest folks and friends meet Ember, The FireSmart Fox
FireSmart BC 2022 Conference
On May 11-12th, BCCFA staff gathered with over 300 other delegates to collect and share knowledge at the FireSmart BC 2022 Conference in Kamloops, BC, traditional territory of the Secwe̓pemc. The event hosted delegates from across the province, including firefighters, community forest representatives, scientists and researchers, foresters, community leaders, policy makers and more. Jennifer Gunter, Executive Director of the BCCFA and Erik Leslie, Manager of the Harrop-Procter Community Forest, were invited to present on the important work that community forests are accomplishing with wildfire risk reduction. Their sessions, Community forests: Innovation and Collaboration in Wildfire Management, were attended with enthusiasm and engaged a wide range of questions and discussion. read more
We are pleased to announce that The Harrop Procter Community Cooperative (HPCC) has released a series of videos that highlight the local community, wildfire risks in the surrounding forests, and some of the work being done to adapt to climate change. Produced by local Nelson-based film production company Watershed Productions, the four short videos - and accompanying 1-minute trailers - focus on climate change adaptation and wildfire risk reduction initiatives undertaken by the cooperative. Find the video playlists here
Climate change and new approaches to wildfire risk reduction
Living with fire: a community approach to wildfire risk reduction
Working with fire:forest management strategies for wildfire risk reduction
Wildfire risk reduction in the Harrop-Procter community forest (summary video)
“Our community has told us that the inter-related issues of wildfire and climate change are top of mind”, says HPCC forest manager and the videos’ executive producer Erik Leslie. “Next to clean drinking water, wildfire risk reduction is the primary concern of local residents.
The videos were funded through a partnership between the Province of BC and Columbia Basin Trust. Read the news release
Old Growth Update
The BCCFA Old Growth Committee continues to meet with senior ministry staff regarding old growth management. This work has included an approach to the deferral process that recognizes the unique circumstances of community forests and staying informed on the evolving data and ministry direction.
BCCFA’s Old Growth Committee identified recommendations #3, 9,11 & 12 as top priorities for further exploration & focus. The full list of 14 recommendations is included at this link beginning on page 47
Important Update of Deferral Maps and Spatial information
The priority deferral spatial layer has been changed to prevent confusion concerning where Ancient and Remnant occur in conjunction with Big-Treed Old Growth. There is recognition that there is overlap between ancient and rare and big treed old growth. Users are directed to use the individual layers for the different priority old growth types to determine the extent of each type on their area. Link to the ministry website for OG mapping information.
The best way for CFAs to learn how local First Nations are approaching the deferrals is to communicate directly with them. CFAs are encouraged to sit down and talk to the First Nations whose territory they are in. District Managers may also be able to share information, but CFAs are urged to focus their efforts on dialogue with First Nations. Instead of supporting the deferrals, many First Nations are coming up with their own plans.
Hosted by the Nakusp and Area Community Forest
Sponsor information can be found here
Logger Sports at Kaslo May Days 2022
Photos by Blair Coyle
Funding sources from FireSmart BC
Listed here are programs that may provide funding opportunities to communities and First Nations through planning, education and implementation of wildfire threat reduction activities. read more
The Canadian Partnership for Wildland Fire Science (Canada Wildfire)
This partnership of Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, University of Alberta School of Forest Science and Management, and the Canadian Forest Service, Northern Forestry Centre was formed to address priority research needs by creating a fire science hub. In 2019, the partnership expanded with BC Wildfire Service joining, followed by Parks Canada and Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency in 2020 and the Government of the Northwest Territories in 2021. link to the websiteCanadian Wildland Fire and Smoke NewsletterSpring 2022
Spring is here, and with that many wildfire risk reduction (WRR) treatments are starting up. The Wetzin'kwa Community Forest's project along the Hudson Bay Mountain Road will be ongoing until the fall. This project is being funded by the Crown Land Wildfire Risk Reduction stream of the Community Resiliency Investment program, and coordinated by the BCCFA in partnership with the BC Wildfire Service. read more about the Wetzin'kwa and the 14 other WRR projects on community forests funded through the program.
Watch Our Future with Fire: Barriers and Opportunities for the Revitalization of Fire Stewardship
Dr. Kira Hoffman recently delivered a webinar describing some of the factors that have contributed to the impactful wildfire seasons experienced in British Columbia in the last five years. She discussed some of the barriers to applying controlled fire to the broader land base and the importance of supporting Indigenous-led fire stewardship. Her talk is based on the recent FACETS publication, "The right to burn: Barriers and opportunities for Indigenous-led fire stewardship in Canada", of which she is the lead author. Read a Q & A she recently did about the publication with co-author Dr. Amy Cardinal Christianson. If you didn't get a chance to attend the webinar, you can now view it on YouTube.Link to the Ember - Canadian Wildfire Bulletin
New British Columbia chapter of the Canada in a Changing Climate: Regional Perspectives Report
The new chapter is intended to help support adaptation to climate change and strengthen resilience in British Columbia. The report predicts that British Columbia's water resources will see significant changes as the climate warms, with flooding causing some of the most damaging and costly impacts. read more
The First Nations Forestry Council 2022 Virtual Conference, June 22-23, 2022
The conference will again take place virtually on the Pheedloop.com platform and will focus on connecting First Nations to forest sector opportunities. You can register, as either an attendee, exhibitor or sponsor. If you are interested in being an exhibitor or sponsoring the 2022 Forestry Conference learn more here
2022 National Invasive Species and Climate Change Virtual Symposium
June 7 - 8, 2022
The Symposium will incorporate a variety of workshops, keynote presentations, plenary and speedy sessions along with plenty of opportunities for networking throughout the event. go to the event website
BCCFA Website Members Only Section The members only section can be found at this link Contact smulkey@bccfa.ca for the password. The section is populated with a full range of governance policy templates including: Community Forest Director Accountability Agreement, Distribution of Community Forest Profit policy guidance and more.
