Editor:
Approximately two weeks ago, the Burns Lake community forest announced plans to begin the restructuring of the organization. This communication is intended to provide some additional information to the public regarding the current situation and to provide information about the future of the organization.
Changes are required for the organization to survive in the long term. The board believes that the community forest will need to be able to more quickly react to numerous changes in the forest industry that are coming.
The organization needs to become more cost efficient and be able to make changes quickly, without the high fiscal cost of the current model.
The regional timber supply is decreasing, the market value of timber is decreasing and costs are rising. It is time for dramatic change at Comfor to be able to respond more effectively to these changes.
More changes will be made as the board continues to restructure the organization in order to make it more efficient and nimble.
These changes need to be made for the benefit of the company and the community.
The board has begun a process of examining in detail, all of the activities of the community forest and related businesses. The board will conduct a cost benefit analysis of each part of the organization to determine how it fits into the long term goals for the organization.
The board recognizes this is a dramatic change of direction for the community forest but the process was begun with the intention of continuing to meet the mandate set out by the community.
Existing contracts will not be cancelled. Existing social obligations will not be forgotten.
The community forest continues to support the rebuilding of the Babine Forest Products sawmill. It is business as usual in the community forest office. The change is substantial but the board believes it is moving the community forest in the direction of positive change.
Quinten Beach
President
Burns Lake Community Forest