Tree Farm Licence 37 Forest Landscape Planning Pilot Project
Last updated on October 3, 2025Forest landscape planning (FLP) is the process of establishing clear outcomes and direction for the management of forest resource values over a defined area. As FLPs are completed, they will replace the current Forest Stewardship Plans (FSP) as part of changes to British Columbia’s forest management approach.
This new forest planning approach will enable a consolidated approach to forest planning and management at the landscape-level (e.g. timber supply area, tree farm licence or large area-based forest tenure) and facilitate collaboration between government, First Nations and licensees, with input from local communities, interest groups, and the public.
On this page
- TFL 37 forest landscape plan
- Section 7 decision-making agreement background
- Joint statement on the draft Section 7 agreement
TFL 37 forest landscape plan pilot project
Tree Farm License (TFL) 37 is located in the Nimpkish Valley on northern Vancouver Island. Communities located within the vicinity of the TFL include Woss, Port McNeill, and Alert Bay.
The Nimpkish Valley is the territory of the ‘Namgis First Nation and includes portions of territories of the Kwakiutl, Mowachaht/Muchalaht, K’ómoks, Tlowitsis, Wei Wai Kai, Quatsino, Mamalilikulla and Wei Wai Kum Nations.
The TFL 37 FLP Pilot Project is the only pilot involving an area-based tree farm licence tenure. The licensee for TFL 37 is Western Forest Products (WFP).
‘Namgis and WFP established a technical team to bring together local First Nations knowledge and experienced forest professionals to collaboratively lead the planning process. Subject matter experts, including staff from the Province, also assisted the technical team. The plan's development was informed through engagement with the ‘Namgis community, and through information sessions with employees, contractors, local, and regional government and the Nimpkish Woodlands Advisory Committee. The Province, in conjunction with WFP, has provided the necessary financial and in-kind support.
The draft FLP, project details, and past engagement are available on planninginpartnership.ca.
As part of the pilot project, WFP and ‘Namgis Nation also prepared a draft Forest Operations Plan (FOP), that includes maps of proposed cutblocks and roads and forest practices that are consistent with the proposed FLP. This draft FOP is also available to view at:
The public will be invited to review and comment on a final draft FOP submission once the FLP has been legally established.
Section 7 decision-making agreement background
In April 2024, a negotiation mandate was authorized to initiate work on a joint decision-making agreement between ‘Namgis First Nation and the Province.
The joint decision-making framework is found under Section 7 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act), which enables the Province and Indigenous governing bodies to enter into agreements that recognize Indigenous jurisdiction and decision-making. In this case, it applies to the area of TFL 37 that overlaps ‘Namgis territory.
‘Namgis First Nation and the Province have now developed a first-of-its-kind for the forestry sector draft Section 7 joint-decision making agreement under the Declaration Act and Forest Range and Practices Act.
The agreement will support the joint establishment of Forest Landscape Plans (FLPs) and joint approval of associated Forest Operations Plans (FOPs) within Tree Farm Licence (TFL) 37.
The draft agreement will now be shared with neighbouring First Nations, industry, local governments, stakeholders and the public to provide input from Oct. 3 to Nov. 2, 2025.
Joint statement on the draft Section 7 agreement
‘Namgis First Nation and the Ministries of Forests / Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation (FOR/IRR) are pleased to share that, following the authorization of a Section 7 joint-decision making agreement negotiation mandate on April 8, 2024, the parties have collaboratively developed a draft agreement. This agreement is currently being targeted for the Province’s and ‘Namgis First Nation’s leadership consideration in fall 2025.
The proposed agreement would establish a framework for joint decision-making authority between the Province of British Columbia and ‘Namgis First Nation, specifically, in relation to key decisions under the Forest Landscape Planning (FLP) framework. This represents a significant step forward in advancing shared governance and affirming ‘Namgis First Nation and the Provine as partners in forestry decisions.
Throughout October, the parties will be engaging and consulting with impacted groups to gather feedback, answer questions, and address any concerns.
Questions or comments can be directed to forestlandscapeplanning@gov.bc.ca until November 2, 2025.