August 11, 2001 For Immediate Release

The research forest jointly managed by UNBC and the Tl'azt'en Nation will host an official opening ceremony celebration later this month. The John Prince Research Forest is believed to be North America's first example of a commercial land base jointly managed by an aboriginal group and a university. Totaling 13,000 hectares, the JPRF is located 50km north of Fort St James between Pinchi & Tezzeron Lakes.

"This land is ecologically diverse and rich with medicinal and cultural sites," says Research Forest Community Program Coordinator Shannon Menelaws. "The research forest area supports healthy wildlife populations and provides many recreational opportunities. The JPRF also represents the northern extent of Interior Douglas Fir habitat. The Tl'azt'en Nation has dedicated this part of its traditional territory for joint research that will lead us to a better understanding of how to blend different world views into natural resource education and management."

"We already have a number of research projects underway in the JPRF: studies on ecotourism, moose habitat, historical forest ecology, and the role of cultural values in education," says Research Forest Manager Sue Grainger. "In addition to being a research forest, it's also a teaching forest, providing students with a land-base to gain practical skills."

The grand opening celebration will be held at the Cinnabar Resort on the north end of the research forest. The activities will begin at 11am with speeches by UNBC Vice-President Business and Finance Pat Hibbitts, Tl'azt'en Nation Chief Harry Pierre, UNBC Vice-President Research Max Blouw, and Grand Chief Edward John. Lunch will be served at noon and the afternoon will feature entertainment and children's activities from 1:00 to 3:00pm. Transportation will be provided from Middle River (7:30am departure), Tache (8:00am), Binche (8:30am), and UNBC (8:00am).

Note to local media:
The UNBC bus will provide transportation to media from Prince George, Vanderhoof, & Fort St James. Contact Shannon at 250-648-3221 to arrange pick-up.