David Gonella

The City of Salmon Arm is planning to partner with Indigenous nations on the creation of a new community forest tenure in order to manage local forests and help protect the city from future wildfires. At the Sept. 28 council meeting, Coun. David Gonella introduced a motion to have staff begin the work necessary for the development of a community forest tenure under the province’s Community Forest Agreement Act. Under the act, communities are given the rights to harvest timber and manage a fixed section of forest for a period of time between 25 and 99 years. Gonella suggested that staff reach out to the Neskonlith Indian Band, Adams Lake Indian Band and other local First Nations to explore partnership opportunities. He also suggested gathering input from local forestry professionals to support a future tenure application. …He said he had already been considering the idea but became even more inspired after visiting the community forest in Revelstoke.