Squamish Nation and District choose governance of community forest

Authorities are hoping for increased logging, research and education opportunities as the prospect of a community forest draws nearer. The governing body for a new community forest partnership between the District of Squamish and the Squamish Nation has been selected.  Mayor Karen Elliott and counsellors Armand Hurford and Jenna Stoner will represent the District of Squamish on the Squamish Community Forest Corporation’s board of directors. That corporation will be responsible for overseeing the forest. Three representatives are expected from the Squamish Nation, but information on who was picked wasn’t available at press time. The Nation was contacted, but didn’t reply before deadline. It’s a big advance for the project, which has been discussed for years. Previously, the province allowed some Crown forest land next the District to be managed by the District and the Nation.