Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Community Forest License?
- Where is the proposed license area located?
- What does 'Nakusp and area' mean, exactly?
- How large is NACFOR's operating area?
- How much timber will the Community Forest harvest annually?
- What are the advantages to the community of holding a Community Forest License?
- Who holds the license?
- Who owns NACFOR?
- Who runs NACFOR?
- What kind of timber and terrain are in the proposed license area? Can the operation make money?
- How will timber be sold?
- What will be done with the profits?
- What about innovative forestry ideas?
1. What is a Community Forest License?
It is a legal tenure agreement with the Provincial Government which gives a community timber harvesting rights to a certain annual volume of timber within a defined area. Forest management obligations are attached to the right to harvest.
2. Where is the proposed license area located?
See the map on the website.
3. What does 'Nakusp and area' mean, exactly?
It means Nakusp and RDCK Area K.
4. How large is NACFOR's operating area?
It is just under 10,000 hectares, 67 percent of which is operable from a timber harvesting perspective.
5. How much timber will the Community Forest harvest annually?
The Annual Allowable Cut will be 20,000 cubic meters or about 550 logging truck loads.
6. What are the advantages to the community of holding a Community Forest License?
There are many, but some of the most obvious benefits are a) increased control over local forest resources, b) increased public input into the management of those resources, c) profits re-distributed within the community, d) increased local employment and e) increased available timber supply for local manufacturers.
7. Who holds the license?
Nakusp and Area Community Forest Inc (NACFOR) is the license holder.
8. Who owns NACFOR?
The Village of Nakusp holds all shares in NACFOR.
9. Who runs NACFOR?
A seven member board of directors made up of even representation from the Village and the RDCK controls governance. True North Forest Consulting Ltd has been hired to manage forestry operations.
10. What kind of timber and terrain are in the proposed license area? Can the operation make money?
Yes. The committee made this a priority in its negotiations.
11. How will timber be sold?
On the open market. Efforts will be made to ensure local manufacturers have access to supply needs.
12. What will be done with the profits?
NACFOR's first $500,000 in retained earnings will be used to build a reserve fund available to finance identified capital needs and other unforeseen expenditure requirements. Half of retained earnings accumulated after the first $500,000 will be distributed to the community to fund Nakusp and Area projects and non-profit groups. The reserve will be capped at $1,000,000 after which all profits will go to Nakusp and Area.
13. What about innovative forestry ideas?
Absolutely. Interpretive forest sites, a local forestry training program, agro-forestry, bio-fuels... all ideas will be on the table. Bear in mind, however, that we must walk before we can run and the first few years will be focused on building a viable, stable and respected business.