WILLIAMS LAKE, British Columbia — More than 60 representatives from the forestry industry, Indigenous communities, government agencies and economic development organizations have agreed on six priority areas aimed at strengthening the future of forestry in British Columbia’s Cariboo Chilcotin region.

The Cariboo Chilcotin Forestry Forum, hosted by the City of Williams Lake on July 23, marked the beginning of a regional collaboration designed to improve forest management, secure fibre supply and support long-term employment across one of British Columbia’s key forestry regions.

Industry Focuses on Fibre Supply and Sustainable Jobs

Participants discussed the challenges facing the regional forest sector, including timber availability, wildfire impacts and manufacturing uncertainty.

The forum identified six priority areas for future collaboration:

• Building stronger strategic partnerships
• Improving wildfire resilience
• Enhancing public communication and awareness
• Securing reliable fibre supply for local mills
• Supporting land stewardship and forest restoration
• Increasing utilization of every harvested tree

The priorities are intended to guide future cooperation between industry, Indigenous communities and government.

Local Solutions for Regional Challenges

Forum participants emphasized that forestry policies should reflect local operating conditions rather than relying on province-wide approaches.

Woodlots BC Executive Director Gord Chipman said forestry challenges vary across British Columbia, making regional flexibility an important factor in developing effective management strategies.

Industry representatives argued that reducing administrative barriers and allowing greater decision-making at the local level could improve both forest health and community resilience.

Manufacturing Concerns Drive Urgency

The discussions also highlighted growing concern over the future of regional wood processing capacity.

Todd Chamberlain, General Manager of the Interior Logging Association (ILA), warned that further manufacturing curtailments would have significant economic consequences for contractors and forestry businesses operating throughout the Interior.

Participants agreed that maintaining a stable fibre supply remains essential for preserving local manufacturing operations and employment.

Regional Action Plan Under Development

Rather than concluding with recommendations alone, the forum established a framework for continued collaboration.

Over the coming months, participants plan to:

• Develop a regional forestry action plan
• Establish working groups
• Advance priority initiatives
• Engage provincial decision-makers

Organizers also intend to invite British Columbia’s Premier and provincial ministers to the Cariboo Chilcotin later this year to discuss the recommendations and explore practical policy solutions.

Collaboration Seen as Key to Sector Recovery

Forum organizers said the event represents the first step toward a more coordinated regional approach to forestry development.

As British Columbia’s forest industry continues to adapt to changing fibre availability, wildfire risks and market conditions, stakeholders believe stronger collaboration between governments, Indigenous communities and industry will be critical to supporting sustainable forest management and maintaining long-term economic activity across the Cariboo Chilcotin region.

Last Updated on 05/08/2026 by Jota Machinery