Greenwood and Midway, B.C.: The West Boundary Community Forest (WBCF) is amplifying its celebrations of National Forest Week this year with a fresh new look, plus new grants now available for West Boundary community members.
2022 has been a special year for the WBCF, having given one million dollars to the communities of Midway and Greenwood, starting construction on a new shelter for the Outdoor Education Centre, and doing remarkable wildfire risk reduction work to better protect homes, important infrastructure, and transportation corridors in the region.
“There is no chance of us sitting back,” remarked WBCF Forestry Manager, Dan Macmaster. “There’s just too much important work to do.”
The work Macmaster refers to is wildfire risk reduction projects, wildlife habitat enhancement, and enhanced utilization of wood waste, or wood fibre, left over after harvesting operations. It’s here where the WBCF aligns with the National Forest week’s theme of ‘Canada’s Forests: Solutions for a Changing Climate’ through its work in the forest, but also in the education of the community on the critical role forests play to take action on climate change.
“We know how vital our forests are for our livelihoods in rural B.C. communities, but also in the good work we can do to fight climate change through our work in ensuring our forests are healthy and resilient,” remarked Macmaster.
In part to celebrate the special week, the WBCF has just launched a Fall 2022 grant application for project funding. A surprise announcement for the organization that primarily does grant applications in the Spring. Community members, community groups, schools and non-profit societies in West Boundary are encouraged to review the information and submit their applications by October 15, 2022.
Our community forest is well managed, where we respect the land and continue to meet our forest management objectives,” said Macmaster. “When we take on projects with a financially rewarding aspect to them, we are able to give back to the community in bigger ways, which is why we have funding available to offer an additional grant intake this year.”
In the past month, the Board of Directors approved a brand refresh and website for the WBCF. It was essential to the group to honour the previous logo, a whimsical portrait of the forest. However, the Board wanted to add new visual elements that pay tribute to their mission to care for wildlife, the water, the landscape, the atmosphere and, of course, the trees.
“Our new logo captures the essence of Healthy Forests and Healthy Communities,” noted Ross Elliot, Director of the WBCF. “The refreshed look also shines a light on how we, as a community forest, are always moving forward and being innovative yet focused on the community and how our work can contribute social, economic, and environmental benefits for everyone. Our new website has also been refreshed to focus on our main objectives of forest management and the education of our community. We believe it will be more accessible and informative for the public to interact and engage with us, something we’re passionate about.”
The public is encouraged to visit the website at www.westboundarycommunityforest.com, follow them on social media, and sign up for the newsletter.
For an interview with West Boundary Community Forest contact:
Aleece Laird, Communications Liaison | aleece@amplifyinc.ca | 250.574.0221