Working Forests
Much of the forest land in British Columbia is neither parkland nor ancient forest. Rather, it is the 'working forest'--land that may have been harvested in the past but which in any case is now managed for furture harvesting. Although no longer unsullied wilderness, the working forest nonetheless serves as habitat for myriad species, and its health and responsible management are crucial to the health of the province's environment.
Threats: clearcutting and other destructive forest management practices; habitat fragmentation through subdivision and other residential or recreational development.
Strategy: acquire and protect parcels of land that have exceptional quality as habitat; in other cases, reach agrements for convenants, stewardship, working in conjunction with the forest companies and other large landholders
Forest Projects
Elk River Valley. Funding by the Tula Foundation helped the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) reach a multi-level agreement with the forest company Tembec, which led to the protection of 86,570 acres in the Elk River Valley in southeastern BC.
Land Purchased: 3000 acres of riparian habitat along the Elk River . This land helps mitigate the potential fracture of habitat by Highway 3, also protects part of the floodplain of the Elk River .
Conservation Covenants: NCC and Tembec signed convenant agreements that protect a further 7,413 acres of forested land in two parcels. The agreements prevent subdivision or residential development, and perpetuate Tembec’s sustainable forest management regime for any future landowners.
Moratorium on Subdivision and Residential Development: Tembec has also agreed to place a 10-year moratorium restricting subdivision and permanent residential development on an additional 86,570 acres of the Tembec lands. This short-term protection will allow the parties additional time to negotiatate further protection for this land.
