Lands and Resources

Je jeum {Forestry}

Forestry Economic Opportunities Study

The Forestry Economic Opportunities Study outlines the forest economic opportunities within the Sliammon Traditional Territory, including timber and Non-Timber Forest Products. It provides an overview of the forest sector, describes changes to the forest sector, outlines forest economic opportunities, provides information on future considerations to capitalize on opportunities, and describes a concept to consider for a Sliammon Forest Administration.

There are significant forest economic opportunities in the Traditional Territory. It supports the harvest of about 600,000 m3/year from 14 licensees in the Sunshine Coast TSA, one large private landowner, Weyerhaeuser on TFL 39, and BC Timber Sales. The opportunities from Sliammon forestlands and AIP commitments, about 80,000 m3/year, present perhaps the best opportunity for work, revenue and self-reliance. A slightly larger total operation providing for 100,000 m3/year would more adequately provide for a sustainable operation. The current level of skills and capacity will need upgrading in order to capitalize on contracting opportunities both in Sliammon and for other forest companies in the area, though there are several smaller opportunities available within the skill sets available.

Non-Timber Forest Products offer several good opportunities, and is a relatively untapped market. Manufacturing options, especially for value added products, is a potentially attractive long-term option that warrants further consideration.

The concept of a new Sliammon Forest Administration will require further consideration in the community, in light of other organizational structures and desires of the community. The suggested model would see an independent organization responsible for managing the forest assets. The SFA would, for Sliammon forest lands, develop forest policies and identify forest practices, issue licences, collect stumpage revenues, and provide the administrative framework to manage the forest resource in a transparent and responsible manner. Opportunities presented in this report are extensive and should assist in identifying the strategic direction for Sliammon. There are a number of opportunities worthwhile of further assessment and prioritization.