Bryn Kulmatycki (CNC Interim President) and Rob Novak (President Dunkley Lumber) sign agreement – photo submitted

Prince George, B.C. – CNC has signed a 10 year agreement that will see Dunkley Lumber continuing to develop and manage the college’s Research Forest as well as expand partnership activities in support of students.

“Dunkley lumber generously made contributions that were over and above what we expected during our first five year agreement, so we were delighted to continue that commitment with them” said Catherine Wishart, CNC vice-president, community and student services.

While a new 10-year harvesting and purchase agreement has been signed, which provides funding in support of the Natural Resources and Environmental Technology diploma program, student Study Abroad activities and applied research activities on the forest, Wishart said “the community partnership side of our work with Dunkley is as important as the business side.”

Dunkley’s continuing activity includes partnering with CNC in research and innovation activities within the research forest; sharing knowledge with CNC that influences the long-term health of the forest; participating in fundraising events to support needs of NRET students; leading field trips in the research forest; providing staff as guest lecturers for NRET students; providing information for the Management Plan, Development Plan, annual reports and consultation activities; working with NRET staff to build capacity for forest management; assisting CNC in obtaining necessary certificates for the forest, as relevant; offering summer employment opportunities to students; donating materials as feasible, like lumber, to college programs such as carpentry.

“Working with CNC means aligning ourselves with one of British Columbia's best post-secondary institutions" says  Jason Fisher, VIce President of Dunkley Lumber.  "We know that graduates from all of CNC's programs make a positive difference in the communities in which we live and work. We are proud to be partnering with CNC in managing the research forest and supporting the NRET program."                                                                         

The CNC Research Forest Society is chaired by Ralph Hausot, planning forester at Canfor, and is made up of industry and college forest-sector experts, committed to both the College and the development of research at the College.