Prince George, B.C.- Two  public forums have been  organized for April to tackle the issue of forest tenure and  sustainability.

One forum will take place in Prince George, the other in Mackenzie.

Organizers   are concerned about attempts to  allow companies to rollover forest licenses into tree farm licences.  It’s a move some believe would  result in a few large companies having  control over  large areas of the Province at the expense of workers, communities, First Nations and  the smaller operators.

The  forum organizers want there to be  public input on this issue, and  plan to  present alternative  ways to keep  B.C.’s forests “public”.

The other significant issue is restoring the health of B.C.’s forests.  The forum  organizers say  this  means  renewed focus on silviculture and  improved forest management practices to restore this renewable resource.

The forums have been organized by the  Stand Up for the North Committee, and are supported by the   Steelworkers local 1-424 , Pulp, Paper & Woodworkers of Canada; Faculty Association of CNC,  North Labour Law and BCGEU.

The Prince George forum is set for Saturday  April 12th  from 10-4 in  room 1-310A at CNC, while the Mackenzie forum  has been  arranged for  Sunday April 13th  from 1-4 p.m.   at the Recreation Centre.