Forestry Review and Engagement

       

     


North Cowichan is reviewing its forest reserve management practices, with the intent to develop options for a future management plan.

In response to public interest in harvesting activities and requests for a review of forest management, Council implemented strong limits on harvesting in 2019. This review and the public engagement process was developed as a result of that public interest, and Council direction.

A broad range of stakeholders, as well as the public, will be encouraged to share their thoughts on the Municipal Forest Reserve (MFR). This feedback will be used by the UBC Partnership Group (UBC, 3GreenTree Consulting, and Coastal Douglas Fir Conservation Partnership) to conduct a technical review and develop forest management options (‘scenarios’). The technical review will support the public engagement process by providing the information needed for informed public participation, and the public engagement process will inform the evaluation of the technical scenarios and options.

Click to view an updated timeline [PDF] for this project.

About the municipal forest reserve

Approximately 25 per cent of North Cowichan’s land base is municipal forest reserve. This managed forest – 5,000+ hectares – has been a municipally owned working forest since 1946. The forest provides revenue for the municipality, which offset residential and business property taxes, as well as serving as a significant recreational area for the community and visitors.

Get involved

You are invited to share your input as part of North Cowichan’s MFR review. Round 1 of public engagement will provide opportunities to share what you value about the MFR, and to learn more. Feedback heard through this round of engagement will be used to inform potential forest management scenarios being prepared by the UBC Partnership Group. These forest management scenarios will be reviewed by Council, and then shared with the community for their feedback in spring 2022.

Online workshops

A facilitated Zoom workshop is offered on four dates. Come with your thoughts on what you value about our forests, and hear from others in a facilitated small group setting. The workshop format includes a short presentation followed by small group break-out discussions. Advanced registration is required. 

All workshops share the same format and information, so please sign up for only one as space is limited. A waitlist is available should dates fill up.

DATE CLICK TO REGISTER
Wed. Nov. 24, 6:30 – 8:30 pm https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/201324937307 
Sat. Nov. 27, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/201724201517 
Sat. Nov. 27, 2:00 – 4:00 pm https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/201731162337 
Thurs. Dec. 2, 6:30 – 8:30 pm https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/201734803227 

Survey

Take the survey to share what you value about the MFR. The survey takes less than 10 minutes and is open until December 13. Printed copies are available for pick up at Municipal Hall. 

Discussion Guide

The Engagement Working Group has assembled key high-level information in a Discussion Guide. This Guide is meant as a companion document to support people to learn about the background of the MFR and the current review process as they complete the survey or attend a workshop during Round 1.

Public Engagement Working Group:

The Engagement Working Group (EWG) is made up of North Cowichan residents from diverse backgrounds and viewpoints who provide important advice and input on the engagement process. The EWG will meet throughout the engagement process. Minutes from these meetings will be posted here: Working Group

Stakeholders: 

A list of local organizations have been identified as stakeholders in this project, and receive project updates and invitations to public engagement activities. If you are part of a local organization with an interest in the municipal forest reserve and would like be on our stakeholder list email us at forestryreview@northcowichan.ca  

Learn More

Updates, FAQs, background, and past Council decisions on the MFR are updated and added regularly here: Background & Resources

In 2020, the UBC Partnership Group conducted a carbon offset feasibility study. Learn more here. 

Stay Connected

When the municipal forest review process resumes, there will be many chances to share your feedback and thoughts. Sign up for the Forestry Review & Engagement newsletter to learn about engagement opportunities and project updates by email.

Questions?

250-746-3100
forestryreview@northcowichan.ca 

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