We support local people making decisions about local forests
The BCCFA is a grassroots, inclusive, and member driven organization.
The BCCFA is a non-profit society with a mandate to serve as the voice and advocate for community forestry in BC. We provide input on forest policy to facilitate the success of community forest initiatives and work with government to expand community forestry in BC. We provide educational resources and extension services, and support communities striving to obtain and successfully implement community forest initiatives.
As part of the 20th Anniversary celebration of the BCCFA, we asked our members to tell us about how community foresry has made a difference in their lives and in the community. Thanks to our UBC intern Natasha Silva for her leadership on this project.
VISION
Our vision is a network of diverse community forest initiatives, where local people practice ecologically responsible forest management in perpetuity, fostering and supporting healthy and vibrant rural communities and economies.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to promote and support the practice and expansion of sustainable community forest management in British Columbia.
PURPOSES
Work to ensure the viability of community forest initiatives in rural communities
Provide education on community forestry issues
Assist community forest practitioners in accessing resources required to succeed
Promote community forestry as a strategy for ecosystem resilience and community economic development
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Culturally, ecologically, and economically sustainable community forest initiatives in a manner which respects Indigenous rights and cultural values, and which fosters understanding and cooperation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
Resilient ecosystems as a basis for social, ecological and economic health.
Meaningful representation of community members in community forest initiatives.
Informed public participation in community forest decision-making.
Leading edge forest practices.
Safe work practices.
Local forest-based employment.
Community responsibility for land stewardship.