Progam renewed

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Time is short to apply to the First Nations Forestry Program. The Canadian Forest Service has issued a call for proposals, with a deadline of May 30, 2002 set.

The program has been renewed for one year ending March 31, 2003. It is designed to help First Nations build capacity to manage forest resources.

Its specific aims are as follows:

? To enhance the capacity of First Nations to sustainably manage their forest lands

? To enhance the capacity of First Nations to operate and participate in forest-based development opportunities and their benefits

?To develop innovative mechanisms for financing First Nation forestry management and development

? To enhance the capacity of First Nation institutions at the provincial-territorial level to support First Nation participation in the forest-based economy.

Program guidelines and applications are available from the Canadian Forest Service in Victoria. More information can be obtained from program manager Nello Cataldo at (250) 363-6014.

The program is funded by Natural Resources Canada-Canadian Forest Service, and the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development in partnership with the First Nations.