Register Now - Early Bird ticket sales end
September 30
Nakusp and the Arrow Lakes have a rich Indigenous history and are the focus of a number of shared territories. We respectfully acknowledge that Nakusp and the Arrow Lakes have long been an ancestral, traditional place for many First Nations. We are grateful to be able to meet, share our experiences and celebrate there.
This year we have partnered with the Justice Institute of BC to offer a special event in addition to the full conference (requires an additional ticket of $133). This training session will introduce concepts and skills to increase effective communication and reduce negotiation impasse. The workshop is open to everyone. To register go to the registration page and put a check next to : Wednesday October 19th Continuing Professional Development .
We welcome Alan Simpson MA, CCR, HRC, based in Lumby as our trainer. Learn more about Alan here and on his website at www.alansimpson.ca
Workshop Schedule 1:00 pm to 2:15 pm Topic: Respectful Negotiation: increasing collaboration while limiting resistance and positions 2:25 pm to 3:35 pm Topic: Focused Communication: skillfully navigating the space between us for the common good 3:45 pm to 4:25 pm Topic: Personal Capacity Building: empowering self while practicing conscious empathy of others
The workshop is open to everyone. There is an additional fee to participate. To register go to the registration page.
The workshop and the other conference sessions are eligible for credits for ABCFP members.
Special Events
Celebrate National Forest Week
September 18-24 is National Forest Week in Canada. Many community forests take this week to host interactive events using the forest as the classroom.
This photo is of kids from School District 10 on the Nakusp and Area Community Forest.
To learn more about what West Boundary Community Forest is doing for National Forest Week click here
Minister Conroy's statement on National Forest Weekread more
BC's Ministry of Forests has released a new video for National Forest Week that explores the relationship between BC's forests and carbon, our changing climate, and new innovations to tackle climate change with Shane Berg, BC's new Chief Forester. watch here
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation September 30
In June 2021, the Government of Canada passed Bill C-5 to name September 30 as day to be observed as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This directly responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action #80 which calls for the creation of a statutory holiday “to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.” Wearing orange is a way to show your support for Survivors and their families and acknowledge the legacy of residential schools. Each year, the UBC Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre works with an Indigenous artist to create a unique Orange Shirt Day t-shirt design. This year’s shirts feature the work of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) artist Darryl Blyth. Read more
Announcements and Policy Updates
New Forest Enhancement Society of BC Funds Community Forest Projects
We are pleased and proud to learn that seven CFAs were successful in securing new funding through FESBC for thirteen projects. Community forests are highly motivated to work towards the resiliency of their communities and the funding was targeted to the highest risk areas of the province making them good candidates for the funding. CFAs receiving funding by region are listed here PwC will administer the funds through FESISM. Information about funding applications is here: https://www.fesbc.ca/applying-for-funding/
UBCM Resolution Passed - Pricing Policy for Community Forests
At the recent UBCM Convention, the pricing policy resolution - EB82 - was part of a block of resolutions that received full endorsement. We also understand from both political and ministry staff that the resolution was at the center of many meetings with communities. Thanks again to everyone who made the effort to get the interests and needs of community forests the attention they deserve.
Old Growth Deferrals – Are you working in areas where deferrals are proceeding? We want to hear from you!
The Field Verification Technical Guidance of TAP deferral areas has been released.link to the guidance documentand all CFAs should have received letters directly from their Districts on how to proceed. We would like to hear from our members as to how it is going and to understand the challenges you have encountered. Old Growth will be a topic at the BCCFA’s Conference and AGM in Nakusp October 19-21, 2022. For more information, please contact Jennifer Gunter.
REMINDER - FRPA Improvement Initiative and Forest Operations Maps will be required soon
The Forest Operations Map (FOM) depicting the approximate geographic location of proposed cutblocks and roads will soon be required. Once regulations have been approved, there will be a transition period. An online platform has been developed to facilitate licensee FOM submissions and community review and comment. All CFA holders are now invited to participate in the soft launch of the software. While FOMs are not a legal requirement yet, this is a chance for everyone to get familiar with the software and the requirements ahead of time. More information on FOMs can be found here:
Lennard Joe Announced as new Chief Executive Officer of BC First Nations Forestry Council
Congratulations to Lennard Joe, RPF, as he takes on the leadership of the BC First Nations Forestry Council. We look forward to meeting Joe and to learning about his vision for the organization. read more
The 2022-23 Master of Sustainable Forest Management class posed in front of the Harrop Procter Community Forest Office as part of their field week in the Kootenays. The program is geared to future foresters. Did you know that Dan Macmaster, manager of the West Boundary Community Forest was in the first graduating class of this program? learn more about the program
Reports
FESBC Launches 2022 Accomplishments Report
The report features 263 transformational forestry projects throughout the province. A video of FESBC's greatest cheerleader, Steve Kozuki, is a part of the report. link to the report
BC Forest Practices Board releases 2021-22 Annual Report
Kevin Kreise, the outgoing chair of the FPB, had this to say about forestry in BC in the last report of his tenure: "There’s a lot of discussion in BC about paradigm shifts, and I think in BC there’s actually two different paradigm shifts for forestry under way at the same time. The first is to better address Indigenous interests and rights and move towards reconciliation. The second is about how we actually manage our forests to better reflect ecosystems, ecosystem health, and the services that they provide." read more
Events
2022 Southern Interior Silviculture Committee (SISCO) Fall Field Tour October 3 - 5, based out of Kamloops with visits to Elephant Hill, Tunkwa Lake, Logan Lake, and Frogmoore Lakes to look at a wide range of activities in silviculture, community planning, and research.
Early Registration is available until August 31st: $325 Regular Registration: $365 Student Registration: $100 RegistrationProgram Details
Canada Wildfire Webinar Announcement
Date: October 14, 2022
Time: 9:30 to 11:00 am MDT
From laser points to information: Using lidar to quantify pre- and post-fire vegetation structure. Featuring: Laura Chasmer and Chris Hopkinson read more
6th Annual Bark Beetle Summit November 9, 2022 Prince George
Bark beetle infestations are natural disturbances with far-reaching impacts on forests in BC. The Bark Beetle Summit is designed to share current research, new ideas for living with bark beetles and to ensure that forest health and resilience remain at the forefront of future forest management. This conference will be a hybrid in-person/virtual conference and registration is free. Further details will follow with registration information, venue confirmation, and summit agenda. read more
Federation of BC Woodlot Associations Conference and AGM October 14 - 16, Abbotsfordread more
Association of BC Forest Professionals 2023 Conference Prince George, February 8-10, 2023. The event will be a combination of in-person and live-streaming. Mark the dates!
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
