RCFC works alongside private industry to build industry and community
Loggers of all ages will be at Revelstoke Timber Days this weekend.
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Updated: June 30, 2009 9:19 AM
The 1992 decision by the citizens of Revelstoke to purchase Tree Farm Licence No. 56 has proven to be a wise move, has stood the test of time and has had benefits that exceeded expectations. Over the past 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 in donations have been made to various community activities, including a $100,000 donation to the building of the Revelstoke Aquatic Centre. The Revelstoke Community Forest Corporation’s $1.25 million injection of equity was key to the Revelstoke Community Energy Corporation’s establishment. RCFC generates an average of $7 million in 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. forest ministers 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 Timber Ltd. and Joe Kozek Sawmills Ltd. 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 was briefly replaced by Del Williams. Del then 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 of experience in the forest industry. He was the Operational Forester for Louisiana Pacific Canada for the last 11 years. Thankfully, our administrative staff, including Controller Louise Thrale, and Administrative Assistant Diane O’Brien 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 No. 56.
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