Who are we?
The Sunshine Coast Community Forest (SCCF) is operated by Sechelt Community Projects Inc. (SCPI) with the District of Sechelt being the sole shareholder of the Corporation.  SCPI holds and manages the license as a BC company, incorporated on March 8, 2005. The volunteer Board of Directors is made up of Sunshine Coast residents who have a wide range of interests and skills required to guide the Corporation.  The SCCF is a member of the British Columbia Community Forest Association.

The Beginning
Several attempts, including Community Futures and the SCRD, were made to apply for a Community Forest under a Pilot Project process. 

In 2003, The District of Sechelt reviewed the reasons why these other initiatives failed and embarked on a different approach to the problem.  This action was instrumental in initiating the new Direct Award Probationary process that has resulted in invitations to 28 other communities.

This effort was rewarded in not only successfully getting an application approved under the new process, but they were one of the first in the Province to have their application approved and granted a Community Forest Tenure license.

What is a Community Forest?
It is an area based tenure issued by the Ministry of Forests under the Forest Act to a community or Society.  The SCCF is a 25 year permanent tenure.

A Community Forest is an opportunity to manage a specified forest area, called "area based", and sustainably harvest the timber in a way that benefits the community.

A Community Forest is managed based on community values.  The challenge in managing a community forest is balancing all values and stakeholders needs in the community.  This includes recreation, the environment, business, education and providing employment.