The Ministry of Forests (FOR) is writing to notify you of requests received from Interfor Corporation (Interfor) to transfer Crown forest tenures, resulting in the disposition of 558,607 m3/year of timber harvesting rights to First Nation controlled entities and 104,486 m3/year to a manufacturing company. Interfor is conducting a strategic review of their remaining coastal operations and may request approval for disposition of additional tenures and permits in the future.

The requested tenure dispositions require the approval of the Minister of Forests. In reviewing these requests, the minister must consider the effect of the proposed transfers on the marketing of fibre and the public interest. The minister may attach conditions to an approval to address concerns resulting from the dispositions.

The ministry is engaging with stakeholders and the public on the proposed dispositions in support of the minister’s decisions. Further details on the proposed dispositions, Interfor’s statement on the proposed dispositions, and how the public can provide input is available at: Information and Providing Input on the Interfor Tenure Dispositions. This website allows for the submission of comments regarding the proposed transfers. Additionally, information is provided in the attached backgrounder. This letter is being sent to all municipalities and regional districts where Interfor has operations that may be impacted by the proposed transfers. Consultation with potentially affected First Nations has also been initiated.

For the Full Letter, please follow link below:

273557_Interfor public engagement letter_Mayor James Furney_Port McNeill

For Details on the proposed tenure disposition in Coastal BC, please follow link below:

Coastal Backgrounder_March 2023

If you wish to respond with a letter, or have further questions, please direct them to Emma Neill, Senior Timber Tenures Forester, Forest Tenures Branch.