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Local forestry leadership in Nakusp earns provincial recognition

Press Release

June 7, 2026

Robin Hood Award recognizes Nakusp and Area Community Forest’s commitment to sustainable forestry

NAKUSP –

Summary

  • Nakusp and Area Community Forest (NACFOR) is being recognized with the 2026 Robin Hood Memorial Award for Excellence in Community Forestry for its leadership in sustainable forest management and community impact
  • NACFOR reinvests forestry revenues locally, supporting economic growth, jobs and long-term resilience throughout the Arrow Lakes region
  • The organization plays a leading role in wildfire risk reduction, while managing forests for multiple values, such as watersheds and ecological conservation

The Nakusp and Area Community Forest (NACFOR) is being recognized with the 2026 Robin Hood Memorial Award for Excellence in Community Forestry.

“When you look at what community forestry means in practice, from wildfire resilience, to local jobs and real partnerships, NACFOR stands out,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “They are showing what it looks like when forestry is done with and for the community, all while building stability and protecting the land for the people who depend on it.”

Local leaders shape future forests

NACFOR is a community-owned corporation that manages nearly 12,600 hectares of forest on behalf of the Village of Nakusp and surrounding Arrow Lakes communities. With a focus on reinvesting revenues locally, NACFOR has built a model that prioritizes long-term economic resilience and responsible forest stewardship.

“The Nakusp and Area Community Forest is proud to be the 2026 recipient of the Robin Hood Memorial Award for Excellence in Community Forestry,” said Mike Crone, general manager, Nakusp and Area Community Forest. “We recognize the over 20 years of dedication and effort from our community, board members, management teams, contractors, volunteers and partners that have gone into making community forestry a success in the Arrow Lakes region. We are feeling invigorated and look forward to the next 20 years of successfully providing social, environmental and economic benefits through sustainable management of the forest land base.”

With a strong commitment to transparency and engagement, NACFOR continues to build relationships with local governments and community members, ensuring forestry decisions reflect shared values and priorities. Through public outreach and ongoing consultation, NACFOR is helping communities better understand and shape the future of their forests.

Stewarding forests for long-term resilience

For longer than two decades, NACFOR has developed strong operational foundations, supported local contractors and ensured safe and sustainable forestry practices. NACFOR has taken a leading role in wildfire risk reduction in the region. Guided by the Community Wildfire Protection Plan, the organization has implemented fuel-management treatments throughout multiple high-risk areas surrounding Nakusp. These efforts are helping protect forests, infrastructure and homes.

“On behalf of the BC Community Forest Association, we extend our sincere congratulations to the Nakusp and Area Community Forest on receiving the Robin Hood Memorial Award,” said Jennifer Gunter, executive director, BC Community Forest Association. “NACFOR has demonstrated outstanding leadership through its commitment to stewardship, wildfire resiliency, community partnerships and long-term local benefits. Their work reflects the values at the heart of community forestry and the spirit of the Robin Hood Memorial Award.”

NACFOR manages its land base for a wide range of community values, such as domestic watersheds and culturally important resources. The organization has worked closely with experts and local interest holders to protect sensitive habitats, including developing best management practices for western toads.

Community forests generating local benefits

B.C.’s 62 community forests are managed by a combination of local governments, community groups and First Nations. Community forest programs provide approximately 2.29 million cubic metres of fibre per year, or 3% of the provincial total cut. In 2025, 1,606 jobs were created by community forests.

Based on a survey of just over half of the community forest organizations in B.C., $60 million was generated in economic activity, averaging $1.7 million per organization. The overall economic impact of all community forests is much higher.

Community forests have many roles:

  • generating revenue to support local priorities and community initiatives
  • providing long-term opportunities for achieving a range of community objectives in local forests
  • undertaking forest stewardship that reflects a broad range of values
  • strengthening communities through wildfire risk reduction

Quick Facts:

  • The Robin Hood Memorial Award for Excellence in Community Forestry was established in 2016 to honour the life and legacy of the late Robin Hood.
  • Hood was a British Columbian with a passion for local community forestry, active in the woodlot and community forest communities.
  • NACFOR manages nearly 12,600 hectares of forests and harvests approximately 20,000 cubic metres of timber annually, approximately 445 truck loads.
  • Since 2020, NACFOR has completed wildfire risk reduction treatments in 12 areas surrounding Nakusp.

Learn More:

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:
Ministry of Forests
Media Relations
250-380-8491

BACKGROUNDER

Community forest agreements

A community forest agreement is an area-based forest licence managed by a local government, community group, First Nation or combination of local governments, First Nations and community groups, for the benefit of the entire community.

Community forests support opportunities in areas such as recreation, wildlife and watershed management for communities and contribute to a more-diversified forest economy.

The goals of the Community Forest Program:

  • provide long-term opportunities for achieving a range of community objectives, values and priorities
  • diversify the use of and benefits derived from the community forest agreement area
  • provide social and economic benefits to British Columbia
  • undertake community forestry consistent with sound principles of environmental stewardship that reflect a broad spectrum of values
  • promote community involvement and participation
  • promote communication and strengthen relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities and persons
  • foster innovation
  • advocate forest worker safety

Harvesting operations provide a source of revenue for supporting local priorities and community initiatives. Harvest rates and exact locations within the tenure can be set to meet locally determined objectives and interests. Approximately 3.5 million cubic metres of timber is allocated for small tenures, such as community forest agreements and woodlot licences.

Communities are directly invited to apply for a community forest agreement without competition. Community forest agreements are for a term of 25-99 years and are replaceable every 10 years.

Contact:Ministry of Forests
Media Relations
250-380-8491

 

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