NIWA’s mission

• To promote and demonstrate small-scale forestry

• To deliver training and meetings to its members and the public

• To promote the woodlot program

• To network with other organizations

• To represent woodlot owners

• To relay small-scale forestry services

NIWA is one of twenty-three woodlot associations throughout BC belonging to the Federation of BC Woodlot Associations, an umbrella organization that represents the interests of all woodlot licensees and owners in British Columbia.

One of the prime objectives of NIWA is to keep our members up-to-date with information on developments in forestry. The membership in its diversity is one of the best sources of information available to the woodlot operator to assist him or her in the practical aspects of small-scale forestry.

In non-pandemic years, we have member meetings monthly and at least one annual general meeting. Here we discuss new business pertaining to our interests, local issues of concern, and general yarn-swapping. Each meeting is centred around a guest speaker or educational video.

On occasion we host a Field Day to visit members’ woodlots, nurseries, and other related facilities. General discussions in the woods are valuable sources of information. NIWA has a diverse membership with a broad range of expertise and experience, including private forest landowners, woodlot licensees, small business loggers, foresters, and others who are just plain interested in small-scale forestry.

NIWA helps facilitate the following training opportunities for its members:

• First Aid and Transportation Endorsement

• How to Get the Best Value for Your Forest Products

• Harvesting Methods and Equipment

• Silviculture Management

• Fire Preparedness

• Planning Requirements and Administration

NIWA is represented in many local and Provincial projects:

• NIWA has given briefs to the Forest Resources Commission, The Royal Commission on Education, the Roundtable on the Economy and the Environment, Taxation Hearings by B.C. Assessment Authority, and the Commission on Resources and the Environment.

• Represented on the Comox Valley Environmental Council

• Presentations to the Regional District of Comox-Strathcona, School District #71, and the City of Campbell River.

• NIWA has been the Delivery agency for the Provincial land-based investment program and forest investment account.

If there is a project that you think NIWA should be involved in please contact us at: info@northislandwoodlot.ca