July 21, 2004Community Open House WETZIN’KWA COMMUNITY FOREST CORPORATION.

July 21, 2004Community Open House Background Purpose Community Support Application Requirements Where we are at

July 21, 2004Community Open House BACKGROUND 1998 – a community economic development strategy was completed for the Town of Smithers, Village of Telkwa, and the surrounding Bulkley Valley within the Bulkley Timber Supply Area

July 21, 2004Community Open House January 2001 – Mayor and Council directed the establishment of the Bulkley Valley Forest Community Economic Development Group to address the crisis facing the community as a result of the Skeena Cellulose situation Mill Diversification Feasibility Study, Request by the community for control of the Skeena Cellulose tenure in the Bulkley TSA

July 21, 2004Community Open House December 2002 – supported the transfer of the SCI license to West Fraser Fall 2003 – application to the Softwood Industry Community Economic Adjustment Initiative to develop a community forest business plan March 2004 – engaged Lynx Forest Management to assess community forest models and volume requirements for profitability

July 21, 2004Community Open House September 7, 2004 requested that the Minister invite us to apply for a community forest tenure of 100,000 m3 per year On April 11, 2005, the Town of Smithers, Village of Telkwa, the Office of the Wet’suwet’en, NEWPRO, and Pacific Inland Resources were invited to apply for a probationary community forest agreement for 30,000 m3.

July 21, 2004Community Open House PURPOSE To manage a profitable forest tenure business that generates revenue for community benefit through local management of forest resources and sales of timber to local manufacturers, emphasizing contract employment of local workers

July 21, 2004Community Open House OBJECTIVES Establish a long lasting relationship, based on mutual respect, between all parties Make a positive contribution to the long term economic, environmental, and social sustainability of the Bulkley Valley Expand the employment base in the Bulkley Valley

July 21, 2004Community Open House Increase the security and stability of fibre flow to existing local logging contractors as well as local primary and secondary processing facilities Facilitate greater community input into forest management decisions and control over local resources

July 21, 2004Community Open House Community Support The partners were unanimously and wholeheartedly supported by: Bulkley Valley Credit Union Northwest Community College Chamber of Commerce Bulkley Valley Woodlot Association Independent logging contractors

July 21, 2004Community Open House Business, technical and financial expertise and support from NEWPRO and Pacific Inland Resources Strong entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community sustainability, economic vibrancy, and cultural and social well-being inherent in the Town of Smithers, Village of Telkwa, and Office of the Wet’suwet’en

July 21, 2004Community Open House Description of the legal entity that will be the tenure holder Description and map of the community forest land base Written confirmation from the District Manager that the land base is suitable and available Evidence of broad community support Business plan Forest Resource Management plan Application Requirements

July 21, 2004Community Open House INITIAL FUNDING $45, Western Economic Diversification $5, BVCU Economic Development Committee Working capital from NEWPRO or other financial partner for implementation phase ~$150,000.00

July 21, 2004Community Open House ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE 7 person Board of Directors Wetzin’kwa Community Forest Corporation BC Ltd Technical Advisory Committee

July 21, 2004Community Open House INITIAL BOARD COMPOSITION Community at large directors: Richard Overstall Andrew George Jr. Dean Daly Village of Telkwa: Ron Bowles Town of Smithers: Clair Lee Office of the Wet’suwet’en: David De Wit NEWPRO: Richard Norton

July 21, 2004Community Open House CORE VALUES To sustain a financially viable forest resources business for the long term benefit of residents of the Bulkley Valley To maintain and sustain functional integrity of ecosystems To protect water quality in watersheds To maintain a healthy balance of all plants and animals To recognize the Wet’suwet’en people and their culture

July 21, 2004Community Open House To establish long lasting, respectful relationships between the partners Complete Wet’suwet’en consultation To expand local small business opportunities and employment To provide a safe and environmentally friendly work environment

July 21, 2004Community Open House To enhance outdoor educational and recreational opportunities To increase community involvement in resource management To reflect community values in decision making

July 21, 2004Community Open House PROPOSED AREA The primary area being considered includes the existing Smithers Community Forest area (west of Seymour Lake) and westward to McDonell Lake. The total timbered land base area will consist of 30,490 hectares, 22,369 productive forest, and 15,717 thlb The annual allowable timber harvest (AAC) will be 30,000 cubic metres

July 21, 2004Community Open House

July 21, 2004Community Open House Community Input Six open houses in communities questionaires presentations to groups as requested including BVCRB, Chamber of Commerce, BCTS registrants Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs

July 21, 2004Community Open House WHERE ARE WE AT? The full application package was submitted on September 12, 2006 including the forest resources management plan and business plan The two corporations have been established Waiting for the Ministry of Forests regional office to complete their review

July 21, 2004Community Open House

July 21, 2004Community Open House NEXT STEPS We are formally advertising to fill the community-at-large director positions – February 2007 We are preparing an RFP for the General Manager position – advertise in February and award in April Hopeful that the tenure offer will be made in February Prepare a Forest Stewardship Plan Complete operating loan negotiations

July 21, 2004Community Open House Announcement from the Minister in late December concerning stumpage for CFAs MOFR has issued a License to Cut in the comfor area to address the mpb sites that were identified on their fall overview flights Begin logging in 2008/2009 Wetzin’kwa’s logging priorities: damaged stands with immediate risk of value and volume loss; over-mature, declining or susceptible stands; healthy stands.

July 21, 2004Community Open House Working with the Bulkley Valley Centre for natural Resources Research and Management on mapping and inventory of NTFP in the comfor area