Annual Funding Confirmed for New Work of McGregor Model Forest

By 250 News

The McGregor Model Forest which is a partner and Host of the “Integrated Resource Management Partnership of Northern B.C.” has been granted some long term funding from the Federal Government.

The Ministry of Natural Resources has announced funding of $325 thousand dollars a year, for five years, for the not for profit operation.

Brian Wilson, the National Director of Programs with the Science and Programs office of NRCAN says the McGregor/IRM Partnership   proposal was one of 58 proposals that had been submitted from all over the country.  Only eleven were approved for funding under the new Forest Communities Program, and it is only one of two approved in B.C.

The Forest Communities program is aimed at the development of tools, and strategies to help local economies as the forest sector evolves. 

The funding is approved with the understanding the successful proponent will receive an equal amount from private partners through cash or in kind donations. Wilson says the next step will be negotiations with McGregor/IRM to expand the proposal.

“Some of the ideas submitted by McGregor/ IRM  cover  harmonization of land uses, whether it be  forestry, mining, tourism and creating a  connection with the public  so the public has a voice in the future of the forestry” says Wilson  “I see McGregor /IRM  as having  a major role in getting the voice of the community.”

At the end of March, the McGregor Model Forest changed its focus.   Instead of looking at forest management, it shifted to sustainability.   There are several groups belonging to the Integrated Resource Management Partnership including:

• Council of Forest Industries (Northern Operations), Prince George, BC
• Association for Mining Exploration in BC, Vancouver, BC
• Mining Association of BC, Vancouver, BC
• Geoscience BC, Vancouver, BC
• Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, Calgary, AB
• Muskwa-Kechika Advisory Board, Fort St. John, BC
• McGregor Model Forest Association, Prince George, BC
• Council of Tourism Associations of BC, Vancouver, BC
• Province of British Columbia, Northern Interior IAMC, Prince George, BC
• Omineca Beetle Action Coalition (OBAC), Prince George, BC
• University of Northern BC, Prince George, BC

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