Municipal Forest Reserve

Our mission is to maintain and enhance North Cowichan's valuable municipal forest resources for all users through sustainable forestry, ecological stewardship, & sound fiscal management.

The MFR consists of six major land holdings: Mount Prevost, Mount Sicker, Mount Tzouhalem, Stoney Hill, Mount Richards, and Maple Mountain, plus a number of smaller parcels including Grace Road, Panorama Ridge, and near Cottonwood Road by Fuller Lake arena. The MFR is 5,000+ hectares and makes up approximately 25% of the land base in North Cowichan. 

  • Interactive forest map: 
    The map displays where the reserve is located, the types and ages of trees you will find in the forest, recreational trail locations, sensitive ecosystems the forest supports, and past forestry activity.
  • Take a forestry tour. 

Since the 1990s, intensive forest management has been taking place to maintain healthy and sustainable forests. The forests have been sustainably managed, meeting or exceeding industry standards and best practices. The current harvesting practices include small patch-cut style openings with green tree retention with all harvested areas re-planted at the earliest opportunity.  

The Forestry Program is currently self-funded, with no costs to the taxpayers of North Cowichan.

Municipal Forest Review

North Cowichan is reviewing its forest reserve management practices, with the intent to develop options for a future management plan. This review includes technical review, public engagement, and engagement with the Quw’utsun Nation. Learn more and find out how you can have a say and get involved. 

A Memorandum of Understanding with the Quw'utsun Nation has established a working relationship with area First Nations on the continued stewardship and use of these forests for the benefit of the community. 

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