2008 Conference and AGM

May 30 – June 1, 2008 Sechelt, BC

Community Forests – Opportunities in the Face of Change

2008 Conference Participants

The 2008 Conference was hosted by the District of Sechelt, Sechelt Community Projects Inc (SCPI) and the Sunshine Coast Community Forest. The conference title is an acknowledgment that these are tough times for the forest sector. It also reflects the fact that community forests are poised to meet the challenges and that we are part of the solution for our rural communities. As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the enabling legislation of the Community Forest Agreement in BC, our 2008 conference program explored ideas and topics that are essential to the future success of our initiatives.

The conference is the primary annual community forestry event in BC. 130 people participated in the informative sessions and the lively exchange based on the on-the-ground experiences of community forestry practitioners. Participants included communities and individuals involved or interested in community forests, community forest managers and board members, MOFR staff involved at the provincial, regional and district levels with community forest agreements, academics, a solid contingent of international community forest activists, community economic development and forestry professionals.

Conference Sponsors
Conference sponsors included the Vancouver Foundation, Forest Research and Extension Partnership (FORREX), Canadian Overseas Log and Lumber Ltd., Truck Loggers Association (TLA), and Greig Seafood.

With Thanks
We would like to acknowledge Kevin Davie, Manager of the Sechelt Community Projects Inc.(SCPI) and Sunshine Coast Community Forest, the Community Forest Board, and the amazing and competent SCPI staff of one, Jacquie Cunliffe, for conference hosting and logistical organizing. The Sunshine Coast is a great place to visit.

Conference Report

The Conference Report includes an overview of the 3-day event and summaries of the Forest Minister’s remarks, all presentations, workshops and the field trip. Conference Report

Conference Presentations

2007-2008 Update from the BCCFA – Jennifer Gunter, BCCFA Coordinator

Update from the Ministry of Forests and Range Presentation – Includes information on the Bio Energy Call and Climate Change, Carbon and Forestry – Jim Langridge, MOFR, Director, Tenures Branch

Update on the CFA Program Presentation – Ron Greschner, MOFR

Understanding Forest Certification Options Presentation – Cindy Pearce, Mountain Labyrinths

Increasing the Value of Community Forest Wood Presentation – Dave Mc Rae, and Jennifer Rice, FPInnovations, Forintek

Implementing SAFE Companies Certification – #1 – Safe Company Information
#2 – SEBASE Audit Information for Workerless Companies – Krista Bax, Forest Safety Council

Branding and Marketing of Community Forest Products -Jenny Rice, Forintek

Manufacturing and Wood Product Development – Dave Mc Rae, Forintek

Community Forest Agreement Showcase – Wells Gray Community Forest Presentation – George Brcko, Manager

Community Forest Model in Cameroon – Dieudonne Alemagi, Ph.D., Faculty of Forestry UBC

The field tour included a trip to West Coast Log Homes. The partnership with the community forest enables them to be the first into a harvesting block and to select trees, mostly low grade cedar, which are then carefully felled and lifted out using a sling to minimize damage. West Coast Log Homes pays a large premium for access to the right log and proper handling. They employ 22 full time employees with 2500 m3 a year.