Collaborators and interest-holders

BCTS collaborates with communities and community groups, First Nations, and other interest holders in the stewardship of BCTS areas of operation for which the partner has significant interest in. This collaboration ensures our forestry activities address local goals and priorities. 

Collaborative management can take many forms depending on local needs, the following are the different collaborative opportunities available. Reach out to a BCTS office to learn which opportunity will work best for your organization.

On this page

Memorandum of understanding

A memorandum of understanding is an early-stage relationship agreement that can help to identify mutually beneficial opportunities that a BCTS and interested parties can work towards. The benefit of this agreement is the development of collaborative partnerships that may lead to additional agreements.

Collaborative Management Agreement

A collaborative management agreement is an agreement entered into by interested parties such as a First Nation and BCTS regarding the management of BCTS areas of operation of significance to the partner. These agreements define how parties will work together on the land base to address mutual interests and serve to foster long-term, mutually beneficial business arrangements and relationships between the signatories. This could include terms on collaborative planning, certification requirements, and on-the-ground operations.

Collaboration through other agreements

BCTS and interested parties may collaborate though existing broader government or local community agreements that enable collaborative planning through structures such as joint planning tables (e.g. Forest Landscape Planning processes, existing Government-to-Government Agreements, community and licensee planning groups etc.).

Innovative forest practices

BCTS and partners are advancing innovative practices such as commercial thinning and wildfire salvage and risk reduction to support forest health, resilience, and access to diverse fibre.

• News: BC Timber Sales to increase fibre access, strengthen long-term forest outcomes, protect jobs

Shared infrastructure and data

BCTS and partners may share forestry infrastructure (e.g., roads and bridges) and data (e.g., LIDAR and wildlife/ water assessments) to increase efficiencies and shared outcomes.

Joint harvest planning

BCTS partners with First Nations and other interest holders on harvest planning at various stages, supported by BCTS partnership agreements and government‑to‑government agreements.

Culturally significant plants

BCTS works with First Nations and First Nation‑owned nurseries to integrate culturally significant plants into reforestation. Nurseries can contact BCTS Seedling Services, and communities can connect with their local BCTS business area to discuss cultural planting opportunities.

Recreation management

BCTS and partners may develop and protect recreational values such as trails, sites, and cultural areas.

Benefits of collaboration

Working together ensures that community and/or First Nation values and priorities are considered and included in BCTS forestry activities. Collaboration can result in employment opportunities, capacity building, contracting efficiencies, and reduced planning and administration costs. Integrating local knowledge results in better forest stewardship and outcomes that suit local needs. BCTS can provide community services through special projects such as recreation area management, firewood supply, enhanced silviculture, and wildfire risk reduction. Collaboration also supports BCTS’ goals of land stewardship and building public trust and social license.