How the Harrop-Procter community is harvesting its forest

On July l6, 1999, then Agriculture Minister Corky Evans, the local MLA, announced at a public gathering that, after 23 years, Harrop-Procter residents finally had their chance to realize their concept of "showcase" or "model" forestry. The popping of champagne corks competed with rousing cheers.

Little did the cheering crowd know that on the very same date, a letter was written in a Ministry of Forests office in Victoria with the following, somewhat sobering information:

"I am pleased to advise you that I am prepared to accept the Harrop-Procter Watershed Protection Society's proposal for a community forest pilot agreement subject to the following conditions:

"The Ministry of Forests, with your participation, conducting a successful public meeting, hearing or open house. In addition, meetings may be held with First Nations whose traditional territory may overlap with the proposed community forest pilot area. The purpose will be to obtain input from the public, affected stakeholders and First Nations regarding your proposal. I will be looking to verify that the community supports the proposal and that no significant issues exist that, in my opinion, could endanger the success of the pilot.

"Successful negotiations between the Harrop-Procter Watershed Protection Society and the Ministry of Forests which produce an agreement between the two parties. Items to be negotiated may include, but are not limited to agreement on area boundaries, and the contents of a forest management plan for the area.

"Ministry of Forest staff will be contacting you to discuss specific details and scheduling of the above-mentioned tasks. It is our intention to complete the public input process within the next three months."

So much for the illusion that all the subjects mentioned in the letter had been fully covered in the proposal. Particularly scary was the reference to area boundaries. In the past, community forests had been issued over areas not adjacent to the actual community. In the Harrop-Procter case, this would be devastating as the main concern, and the main support for the proposal, rested with watershed protection. And, even if the location would remain adjacent to the two communities, would it cover all the domestic watersheds? Or might the area be drastically reduced because of the proposed low annual cut? Those were real worries and they were discussed ad nauseam while working with the local Forest District to prepare for the "successful public meeting, hearing or open house."

It was decided to hold a public meeting and an open house on the same day. To test the strength of support and the knowledge about the community forest pilot project, a questionnaire with six questions was developed jointly. It took some time to agree on the exact wording of all questions. The meeting, on October 5, l999, was well advertised. In addition to ads in three local newspapers and radio announcements on two local stations, the district manager of the Kootenay Lake Forest District sent a letter to each household in the Harrop-Procter area, informing them of the information sessions and inviting their participation.

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