The 1992 decision of the citizens of Revelstoke to purchase Tree Farm Licence #56 has proven to be a wise move, has stood the test of time, and has had benefits that exceeded expectations. Over the 16 years, there have been retained earnings in the $3.5 million range – most of which is reinvested into TFL roads and other improvements. Some $384,000 of donations have been made to various community activities, including a $100,000 donation to the building of the aquatic centre. RCFC’s $1.25 mllion injection of equity was key to Revelstoke Community Energy Corporation’s establishment. RCFC generates an average of $7 million of economic activity in the community every year. It is the largest community-owned forestry operation in the province and is repeatedly cited by B.C.’s Ministers of Forestry and others in the industry as an example of how communities can insure that local resources give local benefits. The forest industry in Revelstoke has come a long way from the dark days of the mid 1980s when only a tiny fraction of the area cut was being processed here. Between Downie Street and Joe Kozek’s Sawmills we now process the equivalent of all the local cut. Thanks to RCFC and the remarkable corporate citizenship and commitment of Downie and Kozek, the industry enjoys strong community support and Revelstokians are justifiably proud of the results of that 1992 decision.

Recently RCFC has undergone some staffing changes. Bob Clarke our General Manager for 15 years retired and Del Williams who briefly replaced Bob left to purse a career with the Ministry of Forests in Victoria. Kevin Bollefer replaced Del as the Operations Forester. Kevin has worked in the Revelstoke area as a Development Engineer for the last 12 years. Kevin’s experience as well as his educational background as a forester and biologist has proven to be a great asset for RCFC. In February 2009, Michael Copperthwaite was hired as the new General Manager. Michael has 25 years experience in the Forest Industry, he was the Operational Forester for Louisiana Pacific Canada for the last 11 years. Thankfully our administrative staff, Louise Thrale, Controller and Diane O’Brien, Administrative Assistant have provided stability and guidance for the new manager!

The forest industry is facing some very difficult times and RCFC is working hard with the local forest manufacturing facilities to weather the storm. We at RCFC see a bright future in the next few years. Please feel free to stop in at our offices to discuss our plans and management of your TFL 56.

RCFC continues to be certified to the SFI standard (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) which assures RCFC customers and shareholders that the forest resources in TFL 56 are being managed in a responsible and sustainable manner. The next SFI Compliance Audit is scheduled for Oct. 21, 2009.