Sunshine Coast Community Forest Awarded Nearly $1 Million to Reduce Wildfire Risk

New provincial funding will support wildfire prescription planning and fuel management treatments.

Sechelt, BC – The Sunshine Coast Community Forest (SCCF) has received a major boost in its wildfire mitigation efforts with the announcement of $966,812 in funding from the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC). The funding will support the development and implementation of wildfire risk reduction activities on lands surrounding the Sunshine Coast community.

The two grants, awarded through FESBC’s Wildfire Risk Reduction Funding Program, include:

• $400,000 for the development of fuel management prescriptions in Treatment Units 1, 3, and 4

• $566,812 for on-the-ground treatments in Treatment Units 5, 8, and 9

“These funds will enable us to undertake meaningful wildfire mitigation projects that protect our community and forests,” said Warren Hansen, Manager of SCCF. “We’re grateful to FESBC for their continued support and look forward to working with local contractors and professionals to deliver these projects on the ground.”

The prescriptions and treatments will follow BC Wildfire Service guidance and focus on reducing forest fuel loads and enhancing forest health and resilience.

The funding is spread over two fiscal years, with work beginning in 2025 and continuing through early 2027. The 2025–26 fiscal year will focus on prescription development and initial treatments, while the 2026–27 period will see additional implementation based on the results and outcomes of year one.

“Wildfire risk is a growing concern across BC,” added Hansen. “This investment allows us to act decisively and collaboratively, while supporting local jobs and enhancing safety and sustainability.”

Community Forests have been leading wildfire risk reduction initiatives throughout BC, often where community forests are owned, jointly owned, or working in partnership with local First Nations. SCCF looks forward to joining their ranks, and will continue to engage with shíshálh Rights and Title staff , local governments, community groups and the public to advance wildfire resilience objectives in a community and ecologically sensitive manner.