Welcome to the Community Forest
The Valemount Community Forest Company Ltd.(VCF) was established in 2007. The VCF has a commitment to manage a healthy, sustainable forest with a focus on local employment, education, partnerships and multiuse planning. We support and promote small and value-added manufacturing to increase economic stability and industrial diversity. We also work with recreational groups and conservation interests to reflect the values important to the community of Valemount.
The VCF is member of the British Columbia Community Forest Association. The BCCFA was formed in 2002. It networks community-based organizations that are either managing community forests or striving to establish community forests.
In her op-ed “Community Forests: Rooted in Community, Growing for Generations,” Jennifer Gunter, Executive Director of the BC Community Forest Association, highlights community forests as a powerful model for sustainable, locally driven forest management in B.C. These forests prioritize public benefit over private profit, supporting ecosystem health, wildfire mitigation, and community resilience while navigating complex challenges like fibre scarcity and economic pressures. With 62 diverse community forests across the province — many involving Indigenous leadership — Gunter emphasizes the need for supportive provincial policies, stronger collaboration between stakeholders, and a balanced approach that reflects local values. Rather than seeing recent tensions as failures, she calls for dialogue and innovation to help community forests reach their full potential in shaping a resilient, value-added forest economy.
British Columbia Community Forest Association article, published in Canadian Forest Industries Magazine, link below:
Mission Statement
- To develop and strengthen the economic diversity of the community while promoting the social well being of the residents in and around Valemount.
- To use the community forest resources in ways that are sustainable, environmentally respectful, fiscally and legally responsible.
2025 Community Funding
VCF has dispersed over $62,000 to community programs in the form of grants, donations and in-kind contributions in 2025.
Please find more information regarding current and past recipients in “Community Info” .
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Westridge Forest Service Road is open with a new 200 meter no stopping zone.
Silviculture:
Valemount Community Forest planted 300,000 trees spring 2025 on West Canoe and Westridge.
Active Harvest and Haul Operations Updates:
Please be aware there is active logging and industrial activity throughout the following areas:
Harvesting at 7km on the West Canoe Forest Service Road.
No current harvesting activities on West Ridge Forest Service Road.
- NOTE: Use extreme caution when travelling of roads with industrial traffic.
- Use the radio to call kilometers – if you do not have a radio, follow a vehicle that does.
- Do not pass industrial vehicles.
- Drive with your headlight on at all times.
- Stay on your side of the road.
- Don’t block the road when stopping.
- Drive at safe speeds.
- Yield to industrial traffic – logging trucks always have the right-of-way!
Please click below to review Forest Operations Maps (FOMS):
If you have questions about any of these areas, please email VCF manager, Alana Duncan, at manager@valemountcommunityforest.ca
IMPORTANT:
Watch for loaded logging trucks and industrial vehicles; road channel is posted.
Drive with caution; slow down and pay attention.
Unpredictable weather conditions prevail. Ice, snow, mud, flash water events and fire are possible.
Please PUT out your campfire. Keep your camp clean. Respect all wildlife. Pack OUT everything that you pack in including garbage.