Key stakeholders from across Canada are in Nanaimo this week to share experiences in helping forestry-based communities remain vibrant economically beyond simply cutting and processing timber.

A joint meeting between the Canadian Model Forest Network and the Canadian Forest Service’s forest communities program mid-week is followed by a non-timber forest products forum on Friday (Nov. 6), organized by Royal Roads University’s Centre for Non-Timber Resources.

A free public event tonight (Nov. 5) enables people to sample some edible forest products and hear about some of the initiatives model forests are undertaking.

“There’s about 50 folks from across the country coming to talk about the forest communities, what they need to do to stay alive,” said Michael Slivitzky, coordinator of the forest communities program.

“There’s an awful lot of mills shutting down. These communities are looking at different ways to derive benefits from forests than just sawmills.”

There are 14 sites in the Canadian Model Forest Network, including two in B.C. – the Clayoquot Forest Communities and the Resources North Association, in Prince George.

One of the aims of the forest communities program is to share best practices and information with other forest communities across Canada and the world.

“Everything they do at the local level has an important component that can be shared and implemented by other communities,” Slivitzky said.

He said 11 of the model forests receive some federal funds, but get most of their funding from other partners, including First Nations groups, environmentalists, academic institutions and scientists who have an interest in their region’s natural resources.

The partners work together to develop sustainable forest management practices, such as bioenergy opportunities or non-timber products – one Ontario site has started a blueberry co-operative and another in Quebec is making birch beer.

Slivitzky said the network also wants to get carbon offset dollars into the hands of small landowners in recognition of the important role these forests play in regulating climate.

The Clayoquot site plans to produce housing and develop more eco-tourism opportunities.

All of the events take place at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre.

The public is invited to hear speakers from four model forest communities tonight (Nov. 5) from 7-9 p.m.

From 4-9 p.m., 15 non-timber forest product enterprises will have wild edibles from B.C.’s farms and forests for people to sample.

For more information about the model forest network, please go to www.modelforest.ca.

reporter@nanaimobulletin.com

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