09/17/2026
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~Friday, February 12, 2016 8:45 AM
The creation of a new community forest near the Village of Burns Lake will help promote economic stability and employment opportunities, and enhance the ability for local forest stewardship, announced MLA for Nechako Lakes, John Rustad, today, on behalf of Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Steve Thomson.
The Chinook Community Forest Agreement covers 90,670 hectares and includes an allowable annual cut of 150,000 cubic metres. The agreement has an initial term of 25 years, and is renewable for another 25-year term after 10 years.
Creation of the Chinook Community Forest helps fulfil a provincial commitment to support opportunities to source timber for the rebuilt Babine Forest Products mill that experienced an explosion and fire on Jan. 20, 2012, resulting in loss of life. The economic hardship that followed threatened the economic sustainability of affected communities in and around Burns Lake. The new community forest aligns with recommendations in the August 2012 “Growing Fibre, Growing Value” report from the Province’s Special Committee on Timber Supply to respond to the loss of the mill.
The community forest agreement will also help support the Pinnacle Pellet mill’s continuing operation in the community.
The community forest agreement includes eight partners consisting of the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako, the Village of Burns Lake, Lake Babine Nation, Skin Tyee First Nation, Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band, Burns Lake Indian Band (Ts’il Kaz Koh), Cheslatta Carrier Nation and Wet’suwet’en First Nation.
Community forest agreements are long-term, area-based tenures designed to encourage community involvement in the management of local forests. A community forest is managed by a local government, community group or First Nation for the benefit of the entire community.
