It is estimated that in the Province of British Columbia, commercial harvest of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) – primarily wild mushrooms and floral greens – contributes as much as $280 million in direct benefits to the provincial economy. It is also estimated that more than two hundred species are harvested commercially within BC’s NTFP sector. Similarly, there is significant NTFP activity occurring in other provinces, indicating that NTFPs are making an important contribution to the Canadian economy. However, since little research has been conducted on NTFPs and the sector is generally not subject to legislative or regulatory regimes, very little is known about the volumes being harvested or about the workers in this sector.

Changes within the traditional forest sector have created stresses on local forest and resource dependent communities along BC’s central coast and northern Vancouver Island. Many small communities have been left vulnerable to downsizing and have suffered due to closures in the timber industry. Non-timber forest products are seen as a potential source for replacing some lost jobs and revenues in a more diversified rural economy, and are now considered an emerging industry in this region. However, there is very little known about how to manage non-timber products along with timber production in order to increase total economic return from the forest. Further, in some regions, NTFPs are at risk from the conflict and exploitation that all too often characterize unmanaged common pool resources.

With support from the McGregor Model Forest, the Mount Waddington Innovation Centre Society (northern Vancouver Island) and the Centre for Non-Timber Resources at Royal Roads University in Victoria are conducting a series of research and extension activities that will support sustainable development of the NTFP sector in British Columbia and beyond. Projects include a national compendium of law and policy related to NTFPS; a directory of key players in the sector; and two workshops on NTFP inventory and compatible management of timber and non-timber values.

Darcy Mitchell Director, Centre for Non-Timber Resources Royal Roads University (250) 391-2600, ext. 4407 darcy.mitchell@royalroads.ca

Dan Adamson General Manager McGregor Model Forest (250) 612-5842 dan.adamson@mcgregor.bc.ca

© Canadian Model Forest Network 2010
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