One Cutting Permit over a Community Forest Implemented

Success for Community Forest Agreement Cutting Permit (CP) Streamlining

The Deputy Minister has approved the implementation of the “One CP for CFAs” policy.   The one CP is available for Community Forests that meet the following criteria:

• An approved Forest Stewardship Plan is in place
• The CP being applied for is subject to the tabular rates
• The District Manager is satisfied that adequate First Nations consultation for the area has occurred

Since 2008, the BCCFA membership has been clear that when it comes to tenure administration, the greatest obstacle is the amount of time it takes for cutting authority approval. Responding to member need, top priority was given to the Single CP Pilot Project.

The pilot project was initiated in the summer of 2011, with 5 communities participating: North: Valemount and Dunster; South: Wells Gray and Esketem’c; Coast: Powell River. Ron Greschner (FLNRO Manager, Timber Tenures) organized a working group that consisted of FLRNO staff from the Regions and Districts while Marc von der Gonna represented the BCCFA.

Community Forest Agreements are subject to tabular pricing, so appraisal information by CP is not required. A single CP for the entire area eliminates multiple CP submissions by the Community Forest and streamlines processing by government, lowering costs and administrative obligations for all. It gives the Community Forest licensee flexibility to respond to market demand and to timely stewardship of the landbase.

The BCCFA President, Kevin Davie responded to the announcement commenting, “This process will allow greater flexibility for community forests to support the needs of small, value-added manufacturers in rural communities. Small, value-added manufacturers and community forests help support local economies by providing employment. This announcement comes at a critical time in our economy, and we are proud to have been able to work with Minister Thompson’s staff in achieving this important goal.”

Chris Liang, Manager of the Powell River Community Forest, was a participant in the pilot project and has already experienced the benefits of the single CP.  “A single CP opens up flexibility. We were able to see both time and cost savings when we did some blow down salvage. One hammer mark simplifies trucking and tracking. You are basically approved before you start. It does put more pressure on the manager to be in compliance with the FSP and all other legal requirements. You have to get it right.”

Congratulations to everyone, and a big thank you to the pilots and to Marc and the rest of the Board for making this happen on behalf of all Community Forest Agreements. Thank you to the MFLNRO staff for this successful collaboration.

Read a copy of the covering memo and a link to the news release. more information

The supporting documentation (business map, process guide, route card, notice to commence template, sample CP application cover letter, sample ESF submission, concept overview and FAQs) are now available at the Forest Tenures Branch, Community Forest Agreement internet site. more information

If you have a question or need assistance in how to proceed on the single CP process, please contact us.