The area which was earmarked for wildfire risk reduction activity was close to homes and is used for recreation. Photo credit: Simon Bedford Photography

Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures’ Proactive Forest Management Redefining Values Beyond Timber

By Klay Tindall and Jordon Gabriel

Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures Ltd., the forestry division of Líl̓wat First Nation, started work on a proactive, transformative fuels management project earlier this spring. This project, with roots deep in Indigenous values and the principles of FireSmart, is located above X-Stream Road in Mount Currie, British Columbia—an area located both close to homes and in a heavily used recreational area—and showcases a proactive approach to wildfire risk reduction through strategic forest thinning across a 70-hectare area. By the end of July 2024, the first phase was successfully concluded, but the scope of the project extends far beyond traditional forestry management and the focus on harvesting timber.

The “Forest Fuels Management” project’s goals were to mitigate wildfire risks while enhancing the forest’s multifunctional values for ecological, cultural, and recreational purposes. This was achieved by strategically removing approximately 14,000 cubic meters of timber, equating to roughly half the trees in the designated area.

A holistic approach to fuel management and its benefits

The Forest Fuels Management Project is about more than mitigating wildfire risks; it’s shifting how forests are perceived and valued. With an often more traditional focus on timber as the primary resource from forests, Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures is adopting the model where the forest is managed for multiple benefits right from the get-go to ensure ecological, cultural, and/or community needs. Some of the benefits we are already witnessing are:

1. Reviving biodiversity

The thinning process has led to significant ecological and cultural benefits including reviving a lost-to-time berry in the region, the Soopolallie berry, also known as the buffalo berry or xúsum in Ucwalmícwts. Historically, xúsum was abundant in the area and picked by the community on various hillsides within the Líl̓wat Territory. However, due to changes in forest management practices and cultural restrictions imposed in the past, these berries became scarce. The overgrowth of forests, without proper management, led to the crowding out of these important cultural plants. From historical accounts dating back to 1969 and discussions with Elders, it was evident that the community deeply felt the loss of these resources, which were integral not only to their diet but also to their cultural practices. A turning point came recently during a routine brushing activity for this project, when crews noticed the berry and, recognizing its significance, were immediately asked to preserve the plants.

Moreover, by reducing forest density, more sunlight reaches the forest floor, enhancing the growth conditions for various other common berry-producing plants and other understory vegetation crucial for the local wildlife and the community’s use.

2. Enhanced community safety

The project is not only helping reduce the wildfire risk to the community, including homes, a school, and a grocery store, but is also significantly enhancing community safety by increasing visibility within the forest, allowing residents to better observe and react to the presence of local wildlife such as wolves, bears, and cougars. This visibility is important to ensure the safety of families living near these areas, as well as those using the area for recreational purposes.

3. Direct community benefits

Approximately 30 truckloads of firewood, equating to 2,000 cubic meters, are being distributed among the community’s Elders, seniors, and those with physical disabilities. This provision of firewood is not solely about managing the forest sustainably; it directly supports community members, providing them with essential resources for heat during the colder months. Moreover, this project has also resulted in the creation of 16 jobs, boosting the local economy.

4. Reviving cultural heritage

The project has also made access to cedar trees—essential for traditional Líl̓wat crafts— otherwise inaccessible due to the density of the forests and remoteness, easier. Cedar, particularly valued for its durability, is stripped sustainably and used extensively in the creation of woven goods such as baskets and hats and in the making of traditional regalia. The enhanced accessibility to cedar trees will help preserve the traditional knowledge associated with these crafts, allowing Elders to pass down techniques and practices to younger members of the community.

5. Exploring innovative practices

The project has encouraged us to look at innovative ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, utilizing every part of the forest without wasting anything. One such innovative practice we are adopting is the use of a carbonizer. This is a new and innovative tool used to transform wood waste into biochar, a charcoal-like substance that can be used as a natural fertilizer for ground stabilization and even for treating contaminated water. Unlike traditional methods of dealing with wood waste, which often involves burning and can release significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, the carbonizer processes the waste in a way that captures carbon. We believe by incorporating innovative practices along with other forest management techniques, we are giving our forests the best chance to thrive, with minimal to no waste left behind.

For other First Nations looking to undertake similar wildfire risk reduction projects, there are three key lessons we can share from our experiences:

• Capacity building: It is important to ensure sufficient trained personnel are available who understand fire behaviour, forest management, and the importance of the cultural aspects of forestry.
• Sustainable practices: Knowing when, where, and how to integrate sustainable and culturally significant practices, such as the preservation of traditional plants and the use of natural resources for community benefits, can prove very beneficial. For this, consulting with knowledge-keepers and Elders is critical.
• Government partnership: For a project to be successful, strong advocacy for governmental support and funding is imperative, especially for projects that better protect communities and help restore cultural heritage. On the flip side, we believe the government needs to provide more support and collaborate on projects like this to encourage First Nations to practice and lead the way in managing forests and their land.

As we prepare for Phase 2, set to commence in late fall 2024 extending the work to an additional 130 hectares, the project continues to bring benefits and knowledge on how we can improve our efforts in proactive environmental stewardship.

The biggest takeaway from this project for our team at Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures, for the Nation, and for Líl̓wat Nation members is that we need to shift from thinking “What can forests do for us?” to “What can we do for our forests and for our future generations?”

This article was originally published in the Fall 2024 issue of BC Forest Professional Magazine.