The BC Community Forest Association Wraps Up its Sold-Out Conference in Vernon

Vernon, B.C. - The BC Community Forest Association (BCCFA) hosted its Conference and Annual General Meeting in Vernon last week with a completely sold-out event. The three-day gathering brought together community forest leaders, First Nations partners, industry representatives, and supporters from across the province to connect and explore the challenges and opportunities of community forestry in the years ahead.

“Our association would like to extend our most sincere appreciation to everyone who joined us, including the presenters and panelists who shared their knowledge, perspectives and experiences,” shared Jennifer Gunter, Executive Director of the BCCFA. “A big thank you to our field tour hosts from the Monashee Community Forest for the warm welcome, valuable insights into their silvopasture work, and for generously sharing their culture, practices, and community contributions. This event is not possible without our sponsors and those who worked behind the scenes to make this event a success, so thank you!”

Field tour on the Monashee Community Forest above Lumby, BC, to showcase their Silvopasture work. 

Throughout the conference, delegates explored topics including wildfire risk reduction, climate change mitigation, forestry management and stewardship, and the evolving role of community forests in helping to build more resilient landscapes and communities.

Jason Fisher, Executive Director of FESBC, presenting the inaugural Community Forest Project of the Year Award to the Kaslo & District Community Forest Society.

During the event, the Nakusp and Area Community Forest (NACFOR) was recognized for outstanding leadership in community forestry, receiving the 2026 Robin Hood Memorial Award for Excellence in Community Forestry. Additionally, the Forest Enhancement Society of BC presented its inaugural Community Forest Project of the Year Award to the Kaslo & District Community Forest Society for its Jimi Crack Corn wildfire risk reduction project.

“It was a pleasure to celebrate these two well-deserving recipients and recognize the leadership, innovation, and stewardship by our community forest members,” added Gunter. “Community forests continue to demonstrate what is possible when local people make decisions about the forests in their own backyard.”

The Nakusp and Area Community Forest received the 2026 Robin Hood Memorial Award for Excellence in Community Forestry.

This annual gathering also provided valuable opportunities for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among community forests, government representatives, forestry professionals, researchers, and partner organizations.

“The energy and ideas shared throughout the conference leave us inspired to continue advancing community forestry in support of healthy forests and thriving communities. We look forward to the 2027 Conference and AGM when we will be celebrating the 25^th anniversary of the BCCFA,” shared Susan Mulkey, Senior Manager, BCCFA.

About the BCCFA

The BCCFA is the collective voice of more than 100 rural and First Nations communities across British Columbia dedicated to sustainable, locally driven forest management. As a grassroots, member-driven, non-profit society, the BCCFA promotes and supports community forestry as a strategy for ecosystem resilience, local economic development, and long-term land stewardship. Through advocacy, education, and technical support, the BCCFA helps communities exercise meaningful local decision-making over forests, create forest-based jobs, respect Indigenous rights and cultural values, and foster healthy rural economies and resilient ecosystems.

For more information on the BCCFA and community forests in British Columbia, visit www.bccfa.ca or follow the BCCFA: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Blue Sky | YouTube