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Managing our community forests in the North Thompson

North Thompson
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North Thompson

Star/Journal

A study of community forests was conducted by Anne Rooban of the Natural Resources Institute, University of Manitoba. The study documented and explored the benefits of community forests using the Lower North Thompson Community Forest and the Wells Gray Community Forest as case studies for her research.

Rooban visited both Barriere and Clearwater in late 2015 and the spring of 2016 to conduct a series of interviews as part of this research; her full thesis and summary document, ‘Growing socioeconomic sustainability through Community-Based Forest Management in British Columbia’ can be found online at: https://lntcfs.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/community-forestry-research-summary-2017-final.pdf

A representative of the Lower North Thompson Community Forest Society commented, “I have read this research document, it’s well written, and does an excellent job of exploring the benefits of our organization and community forestry in B.C. “

In the summary of her publication Rooban comments, “In the fall of 2015 and spring of 2016 I visited two Community Forests (CFs) in B.C.. the Lower North Thompson Community Forest Society (LNTCFS) in Barriere, and the Wells Gray Community Forest Corporation (WGCFC) in Clearwater. I was interested in learning more about CFs while residing in Prince Edward Island and working for a local watershed group.”

Rooban goes on to say, “This experience helped me to realize the value of community-based management, and how this approach could potentially lead to better long-term outcomes for the environment and communities. Through a literature review on CFs in Canada, I decided to focus on the socioeconomic benefits that can be realized when communities are given more authority over governance and management of forests.”

The objectives of her research were:

• To explore how financial benefits from CF operations and revenues are shared and distributed locally;

• To examine whether social enterprise may inform the extent of benefits created for long-term support of local economies and way of life;

• To explore how CFs measure their progress (to ensure future success);

• To identify policy recommendations for CFs and the Province of B.C.

Rooban notes that the process used for the research was a case study approach,with the LNTCFS and the WGCFC as the two cases.

“These were chosen through data collected on economic benefits from CFs in B.C., and a list of criteria which included operation of a Community Forest Agreement (CFA) tenure for at least four years, Annual Allowable Cut (AAC) over 10,000 cubic metres, active pursuit of local community benefits such as local job creation, educational opportunities and recreation, reporting on operational expenditures and revenues through newsletters and annual reports, and a clear process for distribution of revenues for community benefit,” said Rooban, “A total of 39 interviews were conducted with forest managers, board members, forest users, local government, contractors, and grant recipients to understand the benefits created from each case CF.”

Rooban’s summary shows three major linkages between Community Forestry and Social Enterprise emerged from the data collected, which contributed to a broader understanding of the benefits provided through CF:

1. Financial self-sufficiency and creation of local socioeconomic benefits.

2. Wider participation in governance and socioeconomic benefits

3.Innovative organizational structures and practices leading to new strategies and outcomes

The summary addressed a number of areas that these two CFs support the communities that they represent. Part of this support comes in the form of grants to community groups such as those that support community halls.

It is noted that community halls play a very important role in the life and well - being of small communities, and host a wide variety of events and activities. Grants towards community halls were used for key upgrades to the facilities, were important to ensure ongoing functionality and provided opportunities for social interaction and community cohesion.

Also it was noted that local first responders and fire departments are volunteer run, so funds from the CF grants provide training and equipment critical for fire protection and safety.

Schools and educational programs are also supported by CF

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