Invest RVR - Forestry

Forestry Opportunities

Logging has been an important part of life in the Robson Valley since the building of the railroad, when timbers were required for building bridges and manufacturing railroad ties. Old logging sites can be found throughout the region.

Today, forestry is still a key component of the Robson Valley economy with woodlot owners and community forests taking advantage of the fibre supply here as well as the effective shipping network. In addition to providing a timber supply for traditional forest industry activities, the forest provides a source of materials for crafting musical instruments and small scale manufacturing.

Recent studies have acknowledged that there are a number of ways to increase the profitability of small tenure holders and there is an initiative underway to increase the amount of wood available to support new and existing regional value-added businesses. The Simpcw First Nation has indicated that they are very interested in exploring joint venture forestry projects in the area.

Community Forests

The Village of McBride, the Village of Valemount and the Community of Dunster each manage a community forest. Community Forest agreements provide communities with area-based tenures that allow for local participation in the stewardship of local Crown Forest resources. The Community Forests in the area have recently been involved in a collaborative pilot project called Bridges II, which is an economic development forum looking at opportunities for economic development opportunities along the McBride to Barriere corridor.

Community forests are managed to ensure social, ecological and economic sustainability. They also allow communities the opportunity to manage other values that they hold dear, including water, visual impact, wildlife and recreation. Community forests also allow communities to create income in support of the local community by providing resources for value added businesses and crafts people.

McBride Community Forest (MCFC)

The McBride Community Forest (MCFC) was established in 2002 when the Village was offered community Forest tenure. The Corporation is owned by the Village of McBride. MCFC has exclusive rights to harvest crown timber from approximately 60,000 hectares surrounding the community of McBride.

MCFC also maintains four summer recreation sites for residents and visitors and helps to maintain access to snowmobiling areas during the winter months.
Income from the Community Forest was used to help build the McBride Community Hall and continues to support numerous projects within the Village.

www.mcbridecommunityforest.com

Valemount Community Forest

The Valemount Community Forest (VCF) became an active company in 2008 and the Community Forest Agreement is owned by the Village of Valemount. VCF has exclusive rights to harvest crown timber from approximately 70,182 hectares adjacent to the community of Valemount.

The Corporation has been highly successful. A log yard has been established to ensure consistent log supply for local manufacturers; high school bursary funds have been initiated, and a community grant program has been initiated through the VCF.

forestry@valemount.ca

Dunster Community Forest

The Dunster Community Forest was established in 2009 and run by the Dunster Community Forest Society. The Dunster Community Forest covers a total of about 20,000 hectares and provides the Community Forest Society the right to harvest up to 15,000 cubic metres of timber per year.

The Dunster Community Forest Society is a community run organization which hopes to encourage small, community-based operations that will provide an income for local residents.

dunsterbc.net

Regional Connections

The following are links to help connect you to more Forestry related information for the Robson Valley Region. We will continue to update and populate this with relevant information so please continue to check back.

Success Stories

There are many great stories of families and individuals who live and work in the Robson Valley. The “Forestry” section of our website highlights people and businesses who have found a niche opportunity in the forestry industry. We have captured a few of their stories to give you a taste on what life in the Robson Valley is all about.

Featured Success Story

BRKH Success Story

Introduction

Nestled in the picturesque Robson Valley, BRKH Custom Woodworks, locally known as BARK,
has become a beacon of high-quality custom wood products. The name BRKH is derived from
the four drainages in the Dunster Community Forest Footprint. The Baker, the Raush, the Kiwa
and Horsey. Since its inception in 2019, BRKH has been committed to community
development and sustainable practices, leveraging the rich timber resources of the valley to
produce exceptional wood products.

Founding and Growth

Larry, a long-time resident of the Robson Valley and the Board Chair at the Dunster Community
Forest, saw the need for a local timber mill to add value to the timber harvested from the
community forest. In 2019, an opportunity arose to purchase an existing operation, Syncra
Wood Products, in McBride. Despite the machinery being outdated and the inventory low,
Larry and his team seized the chance to create something valuable for the community. Over
the years, significant investments have been made to upgrade machinery and infrastructure,
bringing the mill to a state where it can operate efficiently and reliably.

Community Integration and Challenges

BRKH is deeply rooted in the Robson Valley, both geographically and philosophically. The
decision to establish the mill in McBride was driven by a desire to support local economic
development and utilize the high-quality timber available in the area. This local focus, however,
comes with challenges such as difficult logging terrain and higher transportation costs due to
the valley's relative isolation from major centers.

Looking Ahead

BRKH is poised for growth as it continues to stabilize and expand its operations. Future plans
include further investment in machinery, exploring new markets, and potentially taking over
additional local sawmill operations to secure the timber supply chain. The Robson Valley's
unique combination of natural beauty, quality timber, and a supportive community provides a
strong foundation for BRKH's continued success.

BRKH stands as a testament to what can be achieved with vision, perseverance, and
community support. From humble beginnings and significant challenges, the mill has grown
into a reliable business that not only produces high-quality wood products but also contributes
to the economic and social fabric of the Robson Valley. As BRKH looks to the future, it remains
committed to its roots and the community it serves, embodying the spirit of resilience and
innovation.

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