May 2025 General Board Meeting Updates

Date: May 29, 2025
Time: 7:02 PM
Location: Kaslo, BC

Mission Statement

The Kaslo and District Community Forest Society (KDCFS) will manage the diversity of values of the Community Forest in an ecologically responsible and fiscally accountable manner on behalf of the people of Kaslo and Area D.

Attendance

Board Members Present:

  • Chris Webster (Chair)
  • Stephen Fawcett (Secretary)
  • Jeff Mattes (Treasurer)
  • Greg Lay
  • Doug Drain
  • Stephen Neville (Vice Chair)
  • Jeff Reyden (Management Team)

Board Members Absent:

  • Matthew Brown (Director)
  • Sarah Sinclair (Director)

Meeting Called to Order: 7:02 PM by Chair Chris Webster

A. Preliminaries

Adoption of Agenda
Moved and Seconded
Resolved: That the agenda for the May 29, 2025, Regular Meeting be adopted as circulated.
Status: Carried

Receipt of April 2025 Meeting Minutes
The Board acknowledged the minutes from the April 24, 2025, Regular Meeting.
Status: Carried

Treasurer’s Report

Presented by: Jeff Mattes

Funding Updates:

  • Successful Applications:
    1. CP 47-1 – $89,000
      • 20 ha block at the end of Branch 7 road extension
      • Fuel Management Prescription, thinning of non-merchantable hemlock, post-harvest clean-up and pile burning
    2. Lardeau – $186,000
      • FMP developed in 2023
      • 6 ha mechanical + 10 ha manual fuel treatment
    3. Kaslo North – $14,000
      • Unallocated Crown land north of No Brakes
      • Funding for treatment layout and FMP
    4. KAS6 – $40,000
      • Continuation of manual treatment along the Fire Access Trail

B. Manager’s Report

Presented by: Jeff Reyden

Key Updates:

  • Timber Development:
    Ongoing in the True-Blue area (from Kemp Creek to Bjerkness Creek)
    • Anticipated harvest: Fall 2025 (CP 47-1 up Branch 7)
    • Due to trail proximity and permitting, True-Blue blocks expected for late fall or early winter
  • Safety:
    • No incidents reported from WRR, planting, or timber development
  • Forest Stewardship Plan (FSP):
    • Referral period ended; two public comments received
    • Now under First Nations review
  • Community Support:
    • Donated reclamation grass seed to KORTS for Old Pump House restoration

C. Board Discussion Items

  1. Introduction of Jenna – New Administrative Assistant
    • Jenna will take on all administrative tasks and attend Board meetings online
  2. Boards by George Proposal
    • Ideas presented by Jeff Mattes
    • Deferred for discussion at next meeting
  3. Kaslo Wildfire Crew
    • Local crew has started training using KDCFS-purchased equipment
  4. JVH Scholarships
    • Discussion on expanding eligibility beyond forestry/trades
    • Increase in award amount from $500 to $1000 Motions:
    • Moved and Seconded: Support JVH applicant for $1,000
      Status: Carried
    • Moved and Seconded: Support additional JVH applicant (Tomaken)
      Status: Carried