Joint ventures topic of latest trucklogger

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Forest harvesting tenures can be a long, difficult process for forest companies to go through. When an application is made to the province to log in a Tree Farm License area (TFL), the rolls of red tape are huge. Harvest and reforestation plans have to be in place before public consultation sessions are arranged, and many reports have to be put before the Minister of Forests before approvals are given.

Over the past decade, land claims have further complicated the process as First Nations assert their rights to protect their traditional territories.

Recently, forest companies and First Nations have begun discussions on common points of interest, rather than focusing on differences. The result has been the formation of numerous joint venture companies.

Joint venture companies mean that First Nations now have a stake in the logging trucks that haul millions of dollars worth of resources past their doorsteps and out of their territories, providing employment and economic opportunities in their communities.

For the forest companies, the formation of joint venture companies means their applications for TFLs can flow a little bit easier through the process because the First Nations are not only 'on-side,' but full partners. Forest companies also have access to a large pool of workers, and incredible local knowledge on the forests of the area.

Recognizing these developments, trucklogger magazine?s latest issue focuses on these joint ventures, illustrating the positive benefits these new arrangements have for everyone.

With a glossy cover photo of Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor Robert Dennis, the highly-respected forest industry publication features many joint-venture success stories, including that of Coulson Forest Products, which has partnerships with Ehattesaht and Toquaht First Nations.

"For Wayne Coulson, joint ventures with First Nations are the new reality," R.L. Barclay writes in trucklogger. "Coulson feels that expansion of joint ventures between contractors or license holders and First Nation bands to other areas of coastal B.C. 'could be a major step forward in solving some of the problems facing the coastal forest industry.'"

Coulson points to the Ehattesaht operation in particular as being a shining example for all joint venture companies.

"Coulson, working cooperatively with the Ehattesaht at their request, has successfully implemented a program to train young band members for heli-logging crews. Response by band members has been enthusiastic despite training that is both demanding and strict. For example, there is zero-tolerance for drugs and alcohol ... This is no bed of roses; it is emotionally and intellectually demanding. As Coulson notes, 'they have paid their dues and earned their place. This creates a sense of pride in their achievement.'"

Other trucklogger articles focus on Iisaak Forest Products (a joint venture between the Central Region Chiefs and Weyerhaeuser), the relationship between Tseshaht First Nation and Franklin Forest Products, Bamfield and Huu-ay-aht First Nations' 400 hectare Community Forest License Pilot Tenure, Ucluelet First Nations' relationship with International Forest Products, and other First Nations' arrangements.

As these joint venture relationships continue to develop, a new level of understanding and respect develops as well. And as First Nations teach their world views to the forest companies, they begin to understand that, as Coulson, says: "solutions to many of the problems facing the coastal forest industry lie within the community rather than in the boardrooms of downtown Vancouver."