NACFOR Among 15 Community Forests Advancing Wildfire Protection Across BC

In 2021, the BCCFA provided Nakusp and Area Community Forest (NACFOR) with funding through the province’s Economic Recovery Initiative under the Crown Land Wildfire Risk Reduction program. This funding helped NACFOR to develop a comprehensive treatment plan and prescription for Unit 5 (Wensley Creek Recreation Area), located east of Nakusp. This area has important residential, recreational, infrastructure, industry, and riparian values, making it a high priority for wildfire risk reduction.

For NACFOR, the funded prescription for a treatment unit in the Wildland-Urban Interface is essential. “Unit 5, identified as a priority in the CWPP is a key component of the planned treatment buffer around the community. Treatment is necessary to reduce significant ground and ladder fuels within a high use recreational area. Phase 1 of Unit 5’s treatment is expected to be substantially complete by November 30, 2024,” says Mike Crone, NACFOR General Manager.

NACFOR was 1 of 15 community forests across the province supported by this initiative, which completed 45 wildfire risk reduction projects in rural BC communities. Led by the BC Community Forest Association (BCCFA) in collaboration with BC Wildfire Service from 2021-2023, this initiative included wildfire treatments, future work prescriptions, prescribed and cultural burns, and data collection for inventory and analysis. The initiative achieved strong outcomes creating local jobs and building capacity for wildfire risk reduction efforts.

To read the full news release visit NACFOR’s website.