Delegates to B.C. Community Forest Association’s 2011 conference and annual general meeting recently received some sage advice from one of the province’s oldest and most respected community forest companies.
Dawn Stronstad, a nine year employee of Burns Lake Community Forest Ltd. (BLComfor) and its current manager, shared a decades worth of information and insight with conference delegates on June 10.
After a brief presentation on the history of BLComfor that included a summary of its successes and failures to date, Stronstad imparted a “wee bit of advice” to organizations hoping to enter the field of community forestry.
She urged delegates to, “Be cautious in your areas of inexperience, and aggressive in your areas of expertise.” She also encouraged fledgling community forest organizations to make the development of sound operational policies and clear, measurable mission statements a priority, and celebrate successes.
“And be transparent,” she advised. “Admit your failures, take corrective action, and move on. Maintain the trust between your governing body and the public and keep the media informed.”
Stronstad, who also gave a brief presentation on recreation and community forestry, was one of several presenters at the conference held June 9-11 in 100 Mile House.
The key note address was delivered by Forests Minister Steve Thomson.
Burns Lake Community Forest Ltd. was formed in December 1998 for the express purpose of managing the proposed BLComfor pilot agreement.
In April 2005, it became the first organization in British Columbia to be awarded a long term community forest agreement.
It remains one of the most successful community forest organizations in the province.