Squamish Community Forest

Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and the District of Squamish have been issued a Community Forest Agreement by the Province of British Columbia. The Squamish Community Forest is an exciting opportunity to jointly and sustainably manage the forest lands surrounding our community to reflect shared local values.

 

Squamish Community Forest is located entirely within the Traditional Territory of Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation).

The Squamish Community Forest spans 11,303 hectares on the hillsides east and south of Squamish, including portions of the watersheds of Shannon Creek, Raffuse Creek, Stawamus River, Cheekye River, Mashiter Creek, Ring Creek and the lower Mamquam River.

 It is located entirely within the Unceded and Traditional Territory of Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation).

 

View Full Map Here

Mission of the Squamish Community Forest

To steward the Squamish Community Forest in a manner reflecting and sustaining environmental and cultural values while providing social and economic benefits to its member communities for generations to come.

Initial guiding principles for the Community Forest are:

Management Plan and Forest Stewardship Plan

Key documents outlining management direction for the Community Forest are the Management Plan and the Forest Stewardship Plan.

The purposes of the Management Plan (MP) are:

  • To provide the broad, strategic management direction,
  • To link the community and their values to management of the community forest, and
  • To establish an annual allowable cut (annual timber harvest volume).

A Forest Stewardship Plan (FSP) specifies the legal requirements for forest practices within the Community Forest area. A government-approved FSP is required to allow for the issuance of permits authorizing road construction, timber harvesting and other forest development activities.

Links to the draft Forest Stewardship Plan, maps and approved Management Plan are below.

Open Houses

UPCOMING – November 13, 2024 – Open House

Come and learn about Squamish Community Forest’s 2024 activities and plans for 2025 and future.
Share your ideas, questions and feedback.

Drop in between 4:30pm and 6:30pm

Location: Squamish Public Library Community Meeting Room
37907 Second Avenue, Squamish

 

June 28, 2023 – Open House

Come and learn about Squamish’s new Community Forest
and proposed management activities for 2023 and beyond.
Share your ideas, questions, feedback, values.

Drop in anytime between 3:30pm and 6:30pm

Location: Squamish Public Library Community Meeting Room
37907 Second Avenue, Squamish

2023 Open House Storyboards

2023/2024 Timber Harvest Planning

Five Year Harvest Proposal

 

July 26, 2022 – Information Open House for the FSP and Management Plan

Drop in anytime between 3:30pm and 7:30pm

Location: Totem Hall, Sta-mus Room
1380 Stawamus Road, Squamish

2022 FSP Display

 

2019-2020 Information Open Houses and Community Outreach

Open Houses about the proposed Squamish Community Forest were held in May and June 2019, and February 2020. Thanks to everyone who attended and shared feedback, questions and ideas. Input received from the open houses and outreach process guided development of the draft Management Plan, values and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a community forest?

How is a community forest good for Squamish?

Where is the Squamish Community Forest located?

How is the governance set up? How will decisions be made and by who?

How do the Community Forest operations align with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Cultural Values?

How will the local community be involved? What is the process for public input?

What is the process for First Nations consultation?

How will the forest be managed?

How will recreation and trails be considered?

Will there be logging in the Community Forest? How is the harvest level determined?

What kind of timber harvesting patterns will be considered?

What happens with any profits from the Community Forest operations?

How can I stay updated on what’s happening in the Community Forest?

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