Put control of lands and resources into the hands of local people by building a financially viable timber and non-timber forest resource business which provides benefits to the community and manages the forest in a manner that achieves a balance between community values and practicable management.

Community Forest Vision

The Community Forest tenure is held and operated by the “Alberni Valley Community Forest Corporation” (AVCF) which is 100% owned by the City of Port Alberni. The board of directors for the AVCF is comprised of seven directors appointed by the City of Port Alberni (the shareholder) and includes representatives from community, Hupacasath First Nation, Tseshaht First Nation and City Council.

About the Alberni Valley Community Forest

The AVCF is located in the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) in close proximity (13 km or greater) to the City of Port Alberni and located north and west of Sproat Lake in the Sproat Lake Community Watershed within Tree Farm Licence 44. The Agreement provides two distinct areas for the AVCF; the Sproat Operating Area and the Taylor Operating Area.

AVCF GOALS:

• Demonstrate forestry practices based on community values.
• Safeguard the domestic water supply to Sproat Lake from the effects of harvesting.
• Promote a diverse use of the land base.
• Provide opportunities for meaningful public participation.
• Create a viable self-sustaining business which will not be a burden to local taxpayers.
• Manage for a variety of timber and non-timber products while protecting other values that provide community benefits, such as water, recreation and trails, viewscapes, wildlife and biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and spirituality.
• Generate revenues to be retained and utilized for community based projects supported by the Alberni Valley.
• Advance a high standard of safety for workers and forest users.

For more information on the Community Forest please visit their website: http://www.communityforest.ca/