Forests
1999:118
October 4, 1999

Tree farm licence approved for Iisaak Forest Resources

TOFINO - The transfer of the Clayoquot Sound portion of MacMillan Bloedel's tree farm licence 44 to Iisaak Forest Resources has been approved in principle, increasing local control and employment opportunities for First Nations, Forests Minister David Zirnhelt announced today.

"Establishing this new tree farm licence for Iisaak supports the innovative partnership of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Central Region First Nations and MacMillan Bloedel," Zirnhelt said. "This move provides a good foundation for ecoforestry in the Clayoquot Sound. It's a bold, new way to manage our forests--the right kind of approach for this sensitive area."

Iisaak intends to carry out forest operations based on conservation, ecosystem management and First Nations values. Harvesting activities will meet the spirit and intent of the 1995 scientific panel recommendations on eco-system based forestry in Clayoquot Sound, which was compiled by a group of scientists and First Nations.

"Iisaak is a good example of industry working with First Nations to share resources and economic benefits," said Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dale Lovick. "I hope it encourages more co-operative approaches to resource management in other communities around the province."

"This is the first step in self-sufficiency for the Central Region First Nations," said Joe Campbell, chair of Iisaak Forest Resources. "The transfer of tenure to Iisaak gives us the right to manage resources on our traditional lands," added Larry Baird, spokesperson for the Central Region First Nations and an Iisaak board member.

"The event is more than a simple licence transfer. It's a celebration of what can be done when communities and industry work together to support local needs and values," said Alberni MLA Gerard Janssen.

Iisaak is a new company, owned 51 per cent by Ma Mook Natural Resources Ltd. (Nuu-Chah-Nulth Central Region First Nations) and 49 per cent by MacMillan Bloedel. The approval-in-principle involves most of the Crown land harvesting rights in the Clayoquot portion of tree farm licence 44 plus 15 timber licences within tree farm licence 44 and six timber licences outside the licence.

"This is an exciting moment in the history of B.C.'s forest industry," said Linda Coady, vice-president of environmental enterprise for MacMillan Bloedel. "It marks the creation of a forest tenure in B.C. under First Nations leadership dedicated to developing new collaborative approaches to management in forests with high conservation values. This new tenure is the result of years of hard work by a variety of groups and individuals dedicated to making a difference in the way forests are managed in Clayoquot Sound."

Before making a decision on the licence transfer, the minister of forests had Vancouver lawyer Daniel Johnston chair public meetings for Port Alberni, Ucluelet and Tofino residents. Johnston's report concluded there was wide support for the transfer.

"My decision takes into account input received during public consultations as well as other social, economic and market-related considerations," said Zirnhelt. "Approving this transfer shows government's commitment to exploring new forest management options, as demonstrated by the community forest pilot project and the forest policy review now under way. Government will watch Iisaak's progress with interest."

Before the licence transfer is finalized, Iisaak Forest Resources must meet conditions outlined in the approval-in-principle letter provided by the minister. These conditions address administrative requirements and, to the greatest extent possible, concerns raised during the public consultation process.

As required by the Forest Act, the Crown will recover five per cent of the volume of the allowable annual cut from the Crown lands being transferred (about 5,000 cubic metres) and five per cent of the value of the timber standing within each timber licence area. Iisaak can apply to have the five per cent volume reinstated by submitting a job creation plan for the minister's consideration.

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Contact:

Stacey Curry Gunn Regional Communications Officer Victoria (250) 387-8489

Ken Matthews Regional Operations Manager Nanaimo (250) 751-7160

Backgrounder:

TRANSFER OF TREE FARM LICENCE 44 TO IISAAK FOREST RESOURCES

MacMillan Bloedel's request to the Ministry of Forests comprises:

-- subdivision of tree farm licence 44 and the transfer of the subdivided Clayoquot Sound portion from MB to Iisaak Forest Resources Ltd. (Iisaak);

-- transfer of certain timber licences inside and outside tree farm licence 44 to Iisaak; and

-- removal of certain private land parcels from the Clayoquot Sound portion of tree farm licence 44.

After consideration of lawyer Daniel Johnston's report on public consultation regarding this proposal and other policy issues, the request has been approved in principle by the minister of forests, except for the removal of MacMillan Bloedel's private land from the Clayoquot Sound portion of tree farm licence 44. The minister declined to remove the private land, with the exception of lot 363 on Flores Island at Ahousaht.

The Daniel Johnston report found that, in general, the public supported the proposed transfer. However, before the licence transfer is finalized, Iisaak Forest Resources must meet conditions outlined in the approval-in-principle letter provided by the minister. These conditions address administrative requirements and, to the greatest extent possible, concerns raised during the public consultation process. The conditions include:

-- honouring outstanding Forest Act obligations;

-- honouring MacMillan Bloedel's road use and salvage operation agreements;

-- submitting a management plan that meets the requirements of the Forest Act;

-- participating in all integrated forest management planning processes in the area;

-- meeting the spirit and intent of the 1995 Clayoquot Sound scientific panel recommendations (panel of scientists and First Nations that provided recommendations on ecosystem based forestry in Clayoquot Sound); and

-- providing the minister by April 1 of each year a report on Iisaak's progress in meeting its goals and objectives.

The allowable annual cut of the Clayoquot tree farm licence will be set by the chief forester.

Due to the unique operating environment in Clayoquot Sound, the minister of forests asked the ministry to assign a person to work with Iisaak to address outstanding issues. A report on progress is to be forwarded to the minister of forests no later than six months following Iisaak entering into the Clayoquot tree farm licence.
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