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Dr. Suzanne Simard at the Audain Art Museum – NEW DATE

March 22, 2025/in News

We have rescheduled Dr. Suzanne Simard’s talk to July 15 – same time, same place. Unfortunately, she was sidelined with illness and couldn’t make the original date. If you bought a ticket through the AWARE website and can still attend, you don’t have to do anything. The tickets are automatically moved to the new date in July. There are still some left to purchase so this is a second chance if you couldn’t make it to the April date. We hope you can join us for what will be a fascinating talk!

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Dr. Suzanne Simard will be speaking in Whistler at the Audain Art Museum Cressy Hall on April 25 as part of the AWARE (Association of Whistler Area Residents for the Environment) Earth Week 2025 celebrations! Doors will open at 6:45 for a one hour talk with Q&A titled, Mother Trees and Forest Stewardship for a Healthy Planet.

From her website: Suzanne Simard is a Professor of Forest Ecology at the University of British Columbia and the author of the book, Finding the Mother Tree. She is a pioneer on the frontier of plant communication and intelligence; and has been hailed as a scientist who conveys complex, technical ideas in a way that is dazzling and profound. Her work has influenced filmmakers (the Tree of Souls in James Cameron’s Avatar) and her TED talks have been viewed by more than 10 million people worldwide.

Suzanne is known for her work on how trees interact and communicate using below-ground fungal networks, which has led to the recognition that forests have hub trees, or Mother Trees, which are large, highly connected trees that play an important role in the flow of information and resources in a forest. Her current research investigates how these complex relationships contribute to forest resiliency, adaptability and recovery and has far-reaching implications for how to manage and heal forests from human impacts, including climate change.

Tickets are $30 and available through the AWARE website. Space is limited so get your ticket soon! Be sure to attend the other inspiring Earth Day events hosted by AWARE and community partners through the week.

https://cheakamuscommunityforest.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-22-134220.png 428 429 Heather Beresford /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/CCF-logo-colour-white2.png Heather Beresford2025-03-22 14:04:052025-05-16 17:39:50Dr. Suzanne Simard at the Audain Art Museum – NEW DATE

Wildfire Resilience Workshop – May 6 & 7 @ SLCC

March 22, 2025/in News

The University of British Columbia Okanagan and the Cheakamus Community Forest present a scholar-practitioner workshop on the theme of Wildfire Resilience in Times of Uncertainty. This is a two-day workshop hosted at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre that seeks to bring together the public, municipal officials, academic researchers, practitioners and Indigenous land stewards to discuss a range of issues relating to wildfire risk and management in Whistler and, more generally, in BC.

The workshop will include a keynote address, a series of presentations by academics and practitioners, a panel discussion and a question-and-answer session on Whistler’s wildfire risk management, a field trip to one of Whistler’s fuel-thinned areas, and a series of ‘lightning talks’ and small group discussions.

Presentations and discussions at the workshop will reflect on questions such as:

  • What is uncertain in terms of how we manage landscapes that burn?
  • What are the social, economic and political uncertainties surrounding wildfire management, and how do these intersect with the diverse and shifting expectations of different stakeholders and First Nations?
  • What are some gaps in our knowledge of wildfires, and what sort of research and collaborations are needed to address these gaps?
  • How might interdisciplinary and cross-cultural collaborations help us grapple with uncertainty?

Workshop Format

  • Tuesday, May 6, 2025
    • 8.30 am – 4.15 pm for the day session
    • 7.00 pm – 8.30 pm for the evening panel session: The past, present and future of wildfire risk reduction in Whistler & the Cheakamus Community Forest featuring Dr. Lori Daniels, Nick Soverel, RPF (Frontera Forest Solutions), Abe Litz, RPF (Chartwell Resource Group Ltd.), Dr. Luisa Burhenne (RMOW Manager Climate & Environment), and Dr. Rhonda Millikin
  • Wednesday, May 7, 2025
    • 8.30 am – 4.00 pm for the day session

Workshop Agenda: Wildfire Workshop Agenda

This workshop is free to attend, but registration is required.

  • Coffee and lunch will be provided on both days.
  • If you require accommodation, a group rate is available from the Aava Whistler. Book before April 7 to secure the group rate.
Organizers
  • Heather Beresford (Cheakamus Community Forest) and Dr Adeniyi Asiyanbi (UBCO)

Sponsored by

  • Living with Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Excellence Cluster, UBC Okanagan
  • Cheakamus Community Forest (Resort Municipality of Whistler, Squamish Nation, Lil’wat Nation partnership)
  • Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) of Canada Insight Development Grant in support of Dr Adeniyi Asiyanbi’s work
  • Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Strategic Development Fund, UBC Okanagan
  • UBC Okanagan Principal Research Chair, Dr Onyx Sloan Morgan
Supported by
  • The Whistler Institute      
https://cheakamuscommunityforest.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-22-142045.png 295 404 Heather Beresford /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/CCF-logo-colour-white2.png Heather Beresford2025-03-22 14:33:042025-04-15 15:41:59Wildfire Resilience Workshop – May 6 & 7 @ SLCC
Photo Credit: Dr. Rhonda Millikin

Wildfire Mitigation Collaboration

February 6, 2025/in News

Dr. Rhonda Millikin has been researching the effects of thinning second growth forests on wildfire behaviour and published a paper with her results. In her article, which is published online by MDPI, an open-access publishing platform, Millikin and her co-authors say their research showed forested areas that undergo fuel-thinning see microclimate variables change in the direction of an increase in wildfire potential, with more solar radiation reaching the forest floor, increased ambient temperature, and higher wind speeds. Combined with decreases in relative humidity, soil moisture, and snow depth and cover in spring conditions, fuel-thinning is increasing wildfire potential.

Other research, for example by Dr. Lori Daniels, UBC Koerner Chair Wildfire Co-Existence, does not come to the same conclusion. Dr. Daniels shared her research and conclusions at the December 3, 2024 CCF Information Session held at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. Her research shows proactive fuel treatments reduce the chance of crown fire by half, increasing forest resilience in the wildland urban interface of Whistler.

The CCF wants to understand the situation better so will continue to work with scientists including Dr. Millikin to provide answers to the questions raised. The CCF will explore options for learning more about the effects of green fuel breaks in reducing wildfire behaviour in the CCF tenure area. While Dr. Millikin is also interested in researching how sprinklers on houses could reduce wildfire impacts, the CCF can’t be part of that work as it is on private properties. In the meantime, the CCF will continue its plans to thin identified high risk second-growth forests to reduce wildfire behaviour.

https://cheakamuscommunityforest.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/n-rhonda-millikin-ccf-pilot-3205-photo-courtesy-of-rhonda-millikin.jpeg 720 960 Heather Beresford /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/CCF-logo-colour-white2.png Heather Beresford2025-02-06 17:49:342025-02-06 17:57:32Wildfire Mitigation Collaboration

Fuel For Thought – How Fuel Treatments Tame the Flames

December 13, 2024/in News
Read more
https://cheakamuscommunityforest.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/UBC-Whistler-Research-Team-Dec-2024-2-scaled-e1734142205614.jpg 1170 2560 Heather Beresford /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/CCF-logo-colour-white2.png Heather Beresford2024-12-13 18:16:212024-12-13 18:22:29Fuel For Thought – How Fuel Treatments Tame the Flames

CCF Information Session – December 2024

December 13, 2024/in News

The Cheakamus Community Forest hosted an information session on December 3, 2024 at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre focused on the new climate resiliency planning and implementation approach, as well as how wildfire (Whistler’s biggest climate threat) mitigation projects affect Whistler forests.

An engaged crowd listened to Nick Soverel of Frontera Forest Solutions discuss how the CCF is evolving its Ecosystem-based Management Plan into a strategic, Climate Resiliency Plan. The effects of climate change are more pronounced since the EBM Plan was developed in 2009, and while the EBM is still the foundation, it didn’t address wildfire or climate change. The climate resiliency plan will do a risk assessment of the CCF land base to determine where it is most vulnerable to wildfire, drought and pest infestation over the next decades.

As wildfire is the biggest risk to Whistler’s forests, it’s important to understand the impacts of wildfire mitigation projects, or fuel thinning. Dr. Lori Daniels, UBC Koerner Chair Wildfire Coexistence at discussed how her research in Whistler’s forests clearly shows that treating young and mature second growth forests significantly reduces the risk of active crown fire. Dr. Daniels and a group of forestry students conducted the field research in September 2024 and to show the results. Daniels 2024 12 CCF Info Session

Andy Kwan, Chartwell Resource Group Ltd., followed by discussing how the Chartwell team will use the risk assessment and wildfire research to prepare strategic forest management plans to gradually make the CCF forests more diverse, wildfire resistant and climate resilient for the long term. CCF Strategic Harvesting Plans

Their presentations were followed by a lively Q&A session with the audience. If you missed the information session and have questions, please contact Heather Beresford, CCF Executive Director, at info@cheakamuscommunityforest.com.

https://cheakamuscommunityforest.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-Info-Session-Daniels-2-scaled.jpg 1920 2560 Heather Beresford /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/CCF-logo-colour-white2.png Heather Beresford2024-12-13 17:43:002024-12-13 17:43:00CCF Information Session – December 2024

CCF Info Session – December 3, 2024

November 4, 2024/in News

The Cheakamus Community Forest is hosting a public information session at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, Istken Room, on December 3, 2024 from 3:00 – 5:30 p.m.

The CCF is evolving to a climate resiliency land management approach built on the Ecosystem-based Management plan. The updated planning approach is a response to increasing risks from climate change such as wildfire, drought and forest health issues (e.g. spruce budworm). This will allow the CCF to identify areas most at risk over time and how to manage the forest so it continues to thrive.

We have three speakers who will discuss various aspects of the CCF’s climate resiliency planning approach.
– Dr. Lori Daniels, UBC Koerner Chair for Wildfire Coexistence – Dr. Daniels will discuss the effects of fire and fuels management projects on Whistler forests;
– Nick Soverel, RPF, Frontera Forest Solutions – Nick will introduce the climate resiliency planning approach;
and
– Andy Kwan, Chartwell Resource Group Ltd., Registered Forestry Technician and Project Manager for CCF forestry operations – Andy will share the 2025 harvesting plans and how the CCF will incorporate the climate resiliency planning approach into future plans.

The speakers will field questions from the audience after their presentations.

Please join us and bring your questions!

https://cheakamuscommunityforest.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2023-11-Info-Session-1.jpg 6936 9248 Heather Beresford /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/CCF-logo-colour-white2.png Heather Beresford2024-11-04 16:56:402024-11-04 16:56:40CCF Info Session – December 3, 2024

Welcoming Molly Hudson to the CCF Board

September 11, 2024/in News

The Cheakamus Community Forest is pleased to announce that Molly Hudson joins the Board representing the Squamish Nation along with Kathleen Edwards, Director Rights and Title. We thank Gary Muuren for his participation and insights that contributed to our success in the last year.

Molly has recently joined Nch’Kay Development Corporation, the Squamish Nation’s economic development arm as its Vice President, Forestry and Sustainability. Molly is a Registered Professional Biologist and Registered Professional Forester who previously worked for Mosaic Forest Management as its VP of sustainability and Chief Forester.

Her leadership guided Mosaic’s work in forest management certifications, operations, community relations, sustainability initiatives, environmental performance, fish and wildlife management, and the species at risk program. Her work helped Mosaic win the Sustainable Forestry Initiative’s 2023 Leadership in Conservation Award for its early adoption of climate-smart forestry objectives.

Her knowledge and expertise will help move the CCF’s planning and operations to the next level. Welcome Molly!

https://cheakamuscommunityforest.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Molly-Hudson-Screenshot.jpg 433 608 Heather Beresford /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/CCF-logo-colour-white2.png Heather Beresford2024-09-11 15:40:172024-09-11 15:40:17Welcoming Molly Hudson to the CCF Board

Red Trees at Mid-Elevation

July 24, 2024/in News

This week saw coniferous trees turning red across the mid-elevations of Whistler Valley. An outbreak of western spruce budworm is showing in areas above White Gold, Function Junction and along Sproatt and Rainbow Mountains. The outbreak is happening across the coast/interior transition forests from Whistler to Hope and seems to be restricted to the band of higher elevation forests (~800-1100m).

The western spruce budworm is a native defoliator of interior Douglas-fir in British Columbia. It is not an introduced species. Outbreaks have been recorded in BC since the early 1900’s to the present day. In 1987 and again in 2007-2008, over 800,000 hectares were infested by the budworm, mostly in the southern interior of the province. Budworm outbreaks may be sustained for years.

The western spruce budworm feeds primarily on Douglas-fir. True firs, larch and spruce may also be affected. The caterpillars feed on the new needles, but will move onto the older needles if all new foliage is consumed. Trees appear reddish in colour once needles have been fed upon. Attack does slow down growth and can affect tree form.

Here is a quick spruce budworm fact sheet.

At this point, the Cheakamus Community Forest is monitoring the situation in connection with the Ministry of Forests and taking a wait and see approach. If tree mortality begins to occur at an unacceptable rate over the next couple of years, the CCF will work with the MOF to determine next steps. Currently, the only viable management option is to aerial spray with Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, a biological agent that kills the caterpillar when it eats the treated tree needles and is harmless to other species.

The CCF is working over the long term to make our forests less susceptible to a number of risks such as climate change, wildfire, drought and insect outbreaks. We do that by converting stands to alternate species, planting a mix of species, altering stand structure and density through harvesting practices and stand improvements.

Thanks to everyone who contacted us about what they were seeing in the forests.

Check out the Pique Newsmagazine’s online story.

https://cheakamuscommunityforest.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Spruce-budworm.jpg 1022 1536 Heather Beresford /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/CCF-logo-colour-white2.png Heather Beresford2024-07-24 17:32:532024-07-25 13:26:35Red Trees at Mid-Elevation

Information Walk – July 15

July 12, 2024/in News

Join Heather Beresford, Executive Director of the Cheakamus Community Forest, for an informative walk on Monday, July 15. Meet at the Whistler Interpretive Forest Parking lot at 5:15. We’ll depart at 5:30 and do an easy walking loop around the trails back to the parking lot in about an hour. Learn what’s happening in the CCF and bring your questions!

https://cheakamuscommunityforest.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Info-Session-Image.jpeg 368 416 Heather Beresford /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/CCF-logo-colour-white2.png Heather Beresford2024-07-12 11:32:222024-07-12 11:33:01Information Walk – July 15

Cheakamus Lake Road Grading Underway

June 27, 2024/in News

UPDATE on the Cheakamus Lake Road grading work.

The road grading crew has been busy this week adding gravel and grading the Cheakamus Lake Road all the way to the Cheakamus Lake parking lot! After years of a seriously bumpy drive, the road will be significantly smoother for the many people who travel along it. Thanks to the Ministry of Forests for including grading in their 2024 work plan. The Cheakamus Community Forest added funds for gravel to be laid down and bring the road surface back up to good quality.

https://cheakamuscommunityforest.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Cheakamus-FSR-Grading-June-26-w-Interp-Sign.jpg 480 640 Heather Beresford /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/CCF-logo-colour-white2.png Heather Beresford2024-06-27 19:02:122024-06-27 19:02:12Cheakamus Lake Road Grading Underway
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What can we help you find?

Latest news

  • Wildfire Resilience Workshop – May 6 & 7 @ SLCCMarch 22, 2025 - 2:33 pm
  • Dr. Suzanne Simard at the Audain Art Museum – NEW DATEMarch 22, 2025 - 2:04 pm
  • Photo Credit: Dr. Rhonda Millikin
    Wildfire Mitigation CollaborationFebruary 6, 2025 - 5:49 pm

Recent Page Updates

  • Cheakamus Community Forest Harvesting Plans on May 28, 2025
  • Forest Operations Map on May 20, 2025
  • Homepage on May 20, 2025

CHEAKAMUS COMMUNITY FOREST VISION

The Cheakamus Community Forest is a model of regenerative forestry that mitigates the impacts of climate change, and that the CCF partnership is recognized as a model of reconciliation, supporting the prosperity of the RMOW, Lil’wat and Squamish Nations through a thriving local economy.

CHEAKAMUS COMMUNITY FOREST MISSION

Prioritize the ecological health of local forests while respecting their cultural significance to the Lil’wat and Squamish peoples and generating direct economic benefits for the two First Nations and the citizens of Whistler.

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