The draft Forest Landscape Plan (FLP) and accompanying Forest Operations Plan (FOP) for TFL 37 cover the portion of the tenure within ‘Namgis’ territory on northern Vancouver Island. The plans have been developed jointly by ‘Namgis First Nation, Western Forest Products and Atli Resources LP for the management of healthy, resilient forests. This is one of four pilot projects sponsored by the Office of the Chief Forester within the Ministry of Forests helping to shape a new framework for sustainable forest management in B.C. The draft plans have been delivered to B.C.’s Chief Forester with the Ministry of Forests. While establishment of the FLP and approval of the FOP are underway, the plans are being proactively implemented by ‘Namgis and Western, concurrent with the existing legal requirements outlined in the TFL 37 Forest Stewardship Plan.
A technical team, made up of ‘Namgis and local Western representatives, led the plan development with assistance by staff from the Province and subject matter experts.
These plans bring together ‘Namgis knowledge and wisdom with professional forester expertise, to ensure the long-term stewardship of cultural, economic, and environmental values. A key feature of the plan is a more integrated approach informed by ‘Namgis membership’s direction to consider all forest planning values (i.e. water, flora, wildlife, etc.) together, rather than in isolation. Managing the landscape as a whole, better maintains biodiversity and ecosystem health, ensuring waters, lands, and resources are sustained for future generations.
The plan also provides for real-time monitoring to confirm the implemented approach is meeting desired outcomes, along with the flexibility to refine practices where necessary.
The TFL 37 FLP and FOP plans reflect local values informed through extensive engagement and collaboration including:
