Features Environment & Sustainability Forestry
TLA finds support for forestry in B.C.’s coastal communities

Apr. 18, 2017 – Nearly 60 per cent of people living in B.C.’s coastal communities believe our forests are being managed sustainably, according to a recent TLA report.

“While this number is good news, it still shows how much work the forest industry has to do,” said David Elstone, TLA executive director. “B.C.’s forest industry is world class. We need to continue to tell our story to new audiences. And in doing so, the industry needs to demonstrate it is listening to community concerns.”

The report follows up on the TLA’s report published last June (www.tla.ca/Perspectives) and is a further look into the relationship between forestry and coastal communities. “In our first report, we spoke with the mayors. In this second report, we did some research to find out what community members thought,” explained Elstone.

The TLA attended the 2017 AGM & Convention of the Association of Vancouver Island Coastal Communities (AVICC) earlier this month in Campbell River to hear more from coastal communities. “The TLA is committed to fostering dialogue on the critical issues that face communities and challenge the sustainability of the timber harvesting sector,” said Elstone.

As an advocate for local small businesses that support B.C.’s coastal communities, the TLA will continue to monitor community perspectives and champion these voices when issues like the softwood lumber trade file, viability of contractors’ businesses, and reductions to the allowable annual cut undermine the stability of the coastal forest industry. “TLA members live and work in these coastal communities. They build their businesses in and around these towns, support local community groups and other local businesses,” said Elstone. “In this way, they are vital to the economic health of the entire province.”