Cheakamus Community Forest

The Cheakamus Community Forest (CCF) is one of more than 50 community managed forests in British Columbia. The CCF works closely with the community to share information, identify and resolve issues.

Situated on more than 33,000 hectares surrounding Whistler, BC, the Cheakamus Community Forest was established in April 2009, when the Lil’wat and Squamish First Nations and the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) signed a 25-year tenure with the provincial Ministry of Forests and Range. Together, these three equal partners oversee the management and operation of the forest.

The CCF operates under its Ecosystem-based Management approach meaning that more of the land base is set aside to protect more of what the community values such as streams, views, recreation areas and old growth than under regular forest practices. Of the 33,000 hectares managed by the CCF, approximately 15,000 hectares are protected from being logged through a variety of legal and voluntary mechanisms. Under this management approach, an average of 40 hectares per year will be harvested.

Learn more about Whistler’s forest history prior to the Cheakamus Community Forest by watching the Whistler Forest History Video. The video was created by local foresters and long-time residents Don MacLaurin, John Hammons and Peter Ackhurst with funding from the Community Foundation of Whistler and support from the Whistler Museum and Archives Society.

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