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.

Want to get Involved?

Your input is important, we want to hear from you!

One of the many ways you can get involved is by joining our Working Group! We’re recruiting North Cowichan residents to participate in a Working Group that will help guide the public engagement process. We are seeking a variety perspectives and people who are willing to participate collaboratively with others. Participants must be North Cowichan residents or represent a group/society/organization within North Cowichan, and must commit to attending all four (4) meetings in 2020. The first Working Group meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, 2020 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. For more information, please contact Megan Jordan at 250-746-3156 or megan.jordan@northcowichan.ca

Apply to be a member of the Working Group!

(note: applications must be received by March 6, 2020)

Terms of Reference for the Working Group can be found here: Terms of Reference [PDF - 262 KB]

This is just the first step in public engagement with many other opportunities throughout the year, stay connected by joining our e-newsletter to find out more.

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.

For more information contact:
Megan Jordan
Manager, Communications & Public Engagement
250.746.3156
megan.jordan@northcowichan.ca

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