Community Benefit Program Funding Announcement
The Cheakamus Community Forest (CCF) is pleased to announce the successful applicants for the inaugural funding round of its Community Benefit Program (CBP). The program is designed to provide funding for community projects that have the potential to offer lasting benefits in the partner communities of the Lil’wat Nation, Squamish Nation and Resort Municipality of Whistler.
Funding for the CBP is provided from the carbon offsets sales program revenue to a maximum of $50,000 per year as funding allows and as determined by the CCF Board of Directors.
The CBP funds projects and administration costs related to:
– Forest education (training, interpretive signs, tours, educational materials, etc.)
– Trail or recreation development and/or enhancement
– First Nations’ cultural or youth-oriented projects and programs
– Forest health (invasive species management, etc.)
Three groups were awarded funding for the following projects:
Mamquam River Access Society – House Rock Kayaking Access Improvement Project ($8000)
Association of Whistler Area Residents for the Environment (AWARE) – Priority Habitats Guided Walk Series ($7500)
Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council (SSISC) – Invasive Species Management and Education Initiatives in CCF ($10,180)
John Harvey of the Mamquam River Access Society, says “this will help revitalize the House Rock parking lot area and replace the outhouse. The Whitewater Kayak community is thrilled to be able to showcase this renowned river. The Upper Cheak is worth it!”
“It is wonderful to be given the opportunity to help support the Community Forests’ strategic objectives by conducting invasive plant control and inventory activities, along with planning community outreach and engagement initiatives,” says Claude-Anne Godbout-Gauthier, co-Executive Director, SSISC.
Alison Jenkins, Executive Director AWARE, commented, “AWARE is pleased to receive the Community Benefit Program funds to deliver guided walks through many of Whistler’s Priority Habitat areas. This will provide more opportunities to educate and raise awareness for the importance of these sensitive ecosystems.”
The Cheakamus Community Forest is committed to managing its tenure as a model of regenerative forestry and reconciliation, and that provides benefits to its partner communities. The Community Benefit Program is another example of the CCF supporting its communities and looks forward to seeing the funded programs delivered this year.
