City of Quesnel moves community forest process forward, enters into participation agreement

The City of Quesnel is taking the next steps to move the process for a new Quesnel-area community forest along.  Quesnel council had indicated a willingness to proceed with a Community Forest Agreement (CFA), and resolutions passed at the Nov. 3 council meeting will help move the initiative forward, explained City manager Byron Johnson.  At this time, the confirmed partners in the CFA include Lhtako Dené Nation, Nazko First Nation, ?Esdilagh First Nation and the City of Quesnel. Johnson says the Lhoosk’uz First Nation and the Cariboo Regional District are still deciding if they will partner.  … Johnson says a significant challenge to proceeding with a CFA is the upfront expense required, which is estimated at $500,000 to $600,000, spread over two years of development.