Our Forest: New Film Showcases Impact of the West Boundary Community Forest

Midway, B.C. – In partnership with the BC Community Forest Association (BCCFA), the West Boundary Community Forest (WBCF) has released a new film, entitled ‘Our Forest’, to showcase the values, objectives, and diverse activities happening within its locally managed forest. The short video is part of a province-wide project led by the BCCFA to celebrate the stories and draw awareness to the successes of community forests across British Columbia.

“We’re excited to share this film and work in collaboration with the BCCFA to increase awareness and understanding of the important role community forests play in our province,” said Dan Macmaster, Registered Professional Forester and Forestry Manager of the WBCF. “From sustainable forestry practices to community education, the film highlights the many ways the West Boundary Community Forest creates benefits close to home.”

Featuring Indigenous partners and WBCF Board members, the film underscores the importance of these voices coming together to shape forest stewardship.

Heinz Kreuzer, WBCF Board member, emphasized the accountability that comes with local management. As he highlighted, “people can take possession again because the community owns the tenure, and they are going to call you on it if you are doing things that are not right.”

Photo caption: An image from the film 'Our Forest' filmed by Olam Films

Guided by the Osoyoos Indian Band, WBCF strives to integrate knowledge from Elders and Knowledge Keepers to better understand what the landscape looked like generations ago and how those lessons can inform today’s practices. Protecting communities, infrastructure, and forests from wildfire is among their top priorities.

The film also showcases WBCF’s Outdoor Education Centre, where students can learn about forestry, ecosystems and land stewardship, and further highlights the economic contributions of the community forest.

“This tenure provides revenue and local employment, while incorporating the values of local residents and the Osoyoos Indian Band,” said Macmaster. “Decisions are made here at home, with the long-term wellbeing of the land and the community in mind.”

Jennifer Gunter, Executive Director of the BCCFA, noted that the film series demonstrates the broad impact of community forestry across the province.

“By sharing the stories from community forests like West Boundary Community Forest and those from across our province, we have the opportunity to highlight the value of community forestry in diverse regions throughout British Columbia,” said Gunter.

Our Forest is now available to view online as part of the BCCFA’s community forest film series. Watch the West Boundary Community Forest video here: https://youtu.be/sl5y4KO1XrE