Local government officials attending the annual Union of BC Municipalities Convention in Vancouver this week will be considering what the evolving forest economy means for communities.

Forest industry leader Ike Barber, a long-time supporter of UNBC, will join with UNBC Chancellor John MacDonald and UNBC professor Greg Halseth to present information and data they have collected related to the evolving forest economy in British Columbia. Their work has been directed by a question posed by Mr. Barber: “In a province of rich natural resource endowments, what burdens or benefits will we leave for future generations?” In their presentation, they will suggest that opportunities will emerge from small-scale, community-based operations that encourage a diversified and integrated approach to utilize forest resources.

The presenters will interact with a panel of community representatives:

• Stephanie Killam, Mayor of Mackenzie
• Dan Rogers, Mayor of Prince George
• Dave Formosa, Councillor from Powell River
• Steve Mazur, Director of the Cariboo Regional District

The session will take place on Monday, from 1:30-4:30 pm, at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre.

Ike Barber has an honorary degree from UNBC and established a facility at the University in the late 1990s that supports research on forestry and tree growth. John MacDonald is a founder of MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates and executive chairman of a BC-based solar company in addition to being UNBC’s Chancellor. Greg Halseth is a Canada Research Chair in rural and small-town studies and director of UNBC’s Community Development Institute.  

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UNBC Chancellor John MacDonald.