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Nature Forests & Rainforests

The Tree Farm

The Evolution of Canada's First Community Forest

by (author) Michelle Rhodes

Publisher
Page Two Books, Inc.
Initial publish date
Sep 2021
Category
Forests & Rainforests, Natural Resources, Forestry
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781989025680
    Publish Date
    Sep 2021
    List Price
    $35

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Description

The Mission Municipal Forest, in the Fraser Valley of southern British Columbia, is the first and oldest continually operating community forest in Canada. Its resilience and success helped paved the way for the community forestry model in BC. Operating under BC Tree Farm Licence #26, these 10,000 hectares of cedar, hemlock, and fir forest straddle the lower reaches of Stave Lake, a scenic area of historical and economic significance to First Nations, the province, industry, and the wider Mission community.

This book captures the history of the municipal forest, known as the Tree Farm, and demonstrates why locally managed forests can innovate and generate a diversity of benefits for surrounding communities. The Tree Farm describes the trials and opportunities in the Mission Municipal Forest, including fire management, fluctuating log prices, surging numbers of visitors, and the need to take steps towards reconciliation.

Fully illustrated with contemporary and archival photos and maps, The Tree Farm is a perfect way to commemorate this innovative forestry model and chart a path forward.

About the author

Contributor Notes

A geographer by training, Michelle Rhodes is interested in how small communities change over time in response to significant economic and environmental challenges. She is an Associate Professor of Geography at the University of the Fraser Valley. Her previous research has explored the economic viability of community forestry and the rise of mass-produced housing in small towns.

Michelle lives with her partner, James, and two marginally trained dogs in Mission, BC.