Whereas community forests play a vital role in supporting local economies, fostering community resilience, and promoting sustainable forest management practices; And whereas mill closures, curtailing operations, and significant job losses have devastated rural communities, resulting in severe economic decline, decreased community stability, and limited opportunities for economic recovery; And whereas there is an urgent need to expand the size of community forests and increase access to land and fiber around communities to enhance economic opportunities, promote resilience, and support sustainable development, alongside fostering improved collaboration in FireSmart initiatives and the effective implementation of wildfire mitigation measures: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urges the Province of BC to support the expansion of community forests, facilitating increased access to land and fiber resources and streamlining regulatory process to promote sustainable development and economic growth in rural and Indigenous communities across British Columbia.
