Harrop-Procter Community Forest Ideals into action Erik Leslie, RPF HPCC Forest Manager BCCFA Director

Outline 1. Landbase, community, history, forestry 2. HPCC business 3. Lessons 2

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The Harrop-Procter Forest 11,000 ha 100 year old mixed forests Steep, sensitive terrain Domestic watersheds 5

The Harrop-Procter Community Diverse rural community Mixed economy Independent, volunteer spirit Concerns about industrial clearcutting

1980s and 90s: The War in the Woods

Harrop-Procter Community Co-op Offered community forest in 1999 Member-owned co-operative Objectives: Watershed protection Ecosystem-based forestry Local employment

Ecosystem-based forestry Comprehensive reserve network Riparian Old growth Rare ecosystems Connectivity Zoning for multiple uses Site-sensitive logging, partial cutting Climate change adaptation

The businessforestry 10,000 m 3 AAC 100 % in-house planning, layout, supervision Strong relationships with area mills 10 – 20% of logs to our mill FSC certification

The businessvalue-added Higher-value, unique logs 2 bandsaw mills, edger, kiln, moulder Storage sheds, delivery truck Cedar and Douglas-fir lumber; custom timbers Primarily local retail market, some regional/ wholesale

The businessoverview $1,000,000 revenue 2011/12 Small profits after start-up losses Job creation Strong community support

Lessons for communities Stay true to your vision Stay focused Dont take no for an answer Grassroots, co- operative approach can work

Lessons for everybody Small community groups can succeed where traditional enterprises fail Community forests can be a solution for contentious public lands A crisis helps to mobilize support The CBFM risks are low, the potential benefits large

Thank you! Erik Leslie, RPF 15