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Forestry Review and Engagement
Background
We are developing an Interim and Long-Term Forest Management Plan for the Municipal Forest Reserve. During this process, stakeholders and the public will be able to share their vision for the forest and influence how the forest will be managed. The Interim and Long-Term Forest Management Plans will include a summary of what the public said and describe how input shaped the Plans.
North Cowichan is one of the few communities in North America that owns and manages forest lands for the benefit of residents. The Municipal Forest Reserve (MFR) is 5,000+ ha and accounts for approximately 25% of the land base in North Cowichan. Since 1946, the MFR has been managed as a working forest. The MFR also serves as a significant recreational area for the community, loved by residents and frequented by visitors from across Vancouver Island and beyond.
In response to public interest in harvesting activities and requests for a review of forest management, Council implemented strong limits on harvesting in 2019. Council also committed to undertaking a technical review of forest management practices along with public engagement on the future management of the Municipal Forest Reserve. 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.
Working Group
A 16-member working group has been formed to help shape engagement and the future of the Municipal Forest Reserve. The Working Group will meet approximately 4 times throughout the engagement process and minutes from these meetings will be posted here.
March 11, 2020 Working Group Meeting Minutes [PDF - 223 KB]
Working Group Terms of Reference [PDF - 262 KB]
Want to get Involved?
Your input is important, we want to hear from you!
Over the year there will be many chances to engage; including public forums, phone/online surveys, and pop-up events around North Cowichan!
Questions?
Check out our frequently asked questions:
2020 FORESTRY REVIEW & ENGAGEMENT FAQS.pdf [PDF - 740 KB]
Stay in the Loop!
Updates will be posted to this page on a regular basis. FAQs, background, and past Council decisions on the MFR can be found here.
stay connected by joining our e-newsletter to find out more.
For more information contact:
Megan Jordan
Manager, Communications & Public Engagement
250.746.3156
megan.jordan@northcowichan.ca
