Presentation to the Forum International de l'Économie Sociale et Solidaire Montreal, Quebec October 19, 2011 Presented by Susan Mulkey BC Community Forest Association Manager of Communication and Extension

Community Forestry local people’s control over forest resources for local benefit Community Forestry local people’s control over forest resources for local benefit

Provincial Objectives Flexibility and long-term opportunities Manage for a range of local priorities Diversify use and benefits Provide social and economic benefits Environmental stewardship Foster innovation Community involvement Strengthen relationships

“Community Forests own the principle of social license. They have the ability to pilot ideas and innovate in the way they manage their land base…they have an opportunity like no other tenure in the past.” Pat Bell, former Minister of Forests

The Community Forest Agreement Governed by the Forest and Range Practices Act Fees are paid to the Crown based on tabular rate structure Application process Focus on community Focus on diversification

The Community Forest Agreement Area-based license Provides the exclusive right to harvest timber within the CFA area, and the right to manage botanical forest products. 25 year long-term agreement, replaceable every 10 years

Community Forest Program Status 1.5% of the provincial annual timber harvest

Benefits of Community Forests Priorities are varied and identified by each community Employment Economic Diversification Recreation and Tourism Local land stewardship and connect people to the land Improve awareness of forest management and ecology Services to the community Partnerships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities Education, training and skill development Reduce carbon footprint

Enabling Conditions Formal allocation of ownership or management rights Financial resources for startup and infrastructure Community support and capacity Technical knowledge and management expertise Appropriate forest management framework Market access

Local Lessons Identify community Identify profit Run as a business Arms length from politics Start with small successes Trusted leadership Be willing to compromise Keep community engaged and informed

First Nations Opportunities “The community forest has allowed for the spiritual connection on the land to be re-established. They don’t call it a community forest at home, they call it home.” Mike Robertson, Senior Policy Advisor Cheslatta Carrier Nation

The BCCFA Local Forests, Local People, Local Decisions Grassroots Non Profit Society Formed in members strong Now over 50 members

Key Activities of the BCCFA Provincial Policy Education & Networking and Program Expansion

2010 Olympic Podiums 14 out of the 23 podiums were made of wood donated by Community Forests

On-line wood marketplace where buyers and sellers connect