Kaslo, B.C. – The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) presented its inaugural Community Forest Project of the Year Award to the Kaslo & District Community Forest Society’s (KDCFS) ‘Jimi Crack Corn’ forest enhancement project. The KDCFS received the award during the 2026 BC Community Forest Association (BCCFA) Conference and AGM in Vernon last week.
“In celebration of FESBC’s tenth anniversary, we created the Community Forest Project of the Year Award to recognize the leadership, innovation, and collaboration that community forests bring to forest stewardship across British Columbia,” said Jason Fisher, Executive Director of the Forest Enhancement Society of BC. “Community forests are uniquely positioned to deliver projects that reflect local priorities while creating long-term benefits for forests and British Columbians. The first recipient of this annual award is the Kaslo & District Community Forest Society for their Jimi Crack Corn project. This project stood out because it demonstrated strong collaboration, meaningful community engagement, and excellent results including wildfire risk reduction with tangible recreational and ecological outcomes.”
Jason Fisher, Executive Director of FESBC, presents the inaugural Community Forest Project of the Year Award to the Kaslo & District Community Forest Society, received by Jeff Reyden, Manager of the KDCFS. Photo Credits: BCCFA and Splatsin First Nation.
Completed during the winter of 2024-2025, the Jimi Crack Corn project focused on fuel mitigation, recreational values, and wildlife habitat enhancement around the community of Kaslo. The KDCFS worked with local contractors during the pre-planning phase and fuel management prescription development, while also hiring local crews to complete the treatment work. The community forest also engaged with the Kaslo Mountain Bike Club and the community at large to better understand desired project outcomes of key stakeholders.
“We are incredibly grateful for this recognition,” said Jeff Reyden, Registered Professional Forester (RPF), Manager of the KDCFS. “This project is a great example of what can happen when local governments, community organizations, recreation groups, and residents work together toward a common goal. We’re proud of the work completed here and proud that it continues to support local jobs, improve recreational opportunities, and make our community safer.”
An important part of the project’s success was working directly with area residents. Access to the site where the work was to occur was a challenge, so the KDCFS connected with the adjacent private landowner who allowed crews to use their driveway as a staging area.
“Overall, the project focused on reducing hazardous fuels, removing dead debris, and improving overall wildfire resiliency in the area. By opening the forest canopy, the project also encouraged new deciduous growth and enhanced forest health and biodiversity,” noted Travis Emsland, RPF, Operations Manager with FESBC.
Jimi Crack Corn Project site after work was completed. Photo Credits: FESBC.
In addition to wildfire risk reduction, the project delivered important recreational and ecological benefits. Improved sightlines and visual corridors enhanced trail user experiences, while wildlife habitat values were maintained throughout the treatment area.
“The Kaslo & District Community Forest Society’s Jimi Crack Corn project demonstrates exactly what community forestry is all about: local people making local decisions for their forests,” said Jennifer Gunter, Executive Director of the BCCFA. “Thank you to the Forest Enhancement Society of BC for acknowledging the work of community forestry in British Columbia through this thoughtful award.”
To learn more about the award and the Jimi Crack Corn project, watch the video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPTsDuOoBxY
For an interview with FESBC, contact:
Aleece Laird, Communications Liaison | communications@fesbc.ca | 250.574.0221
About the Forest Enhancement Society of BC
The purposes of FESBC are to advance environmental and resource stewardship of B.C.’s forests by preventing and mitigating the impact of wildfires; improving damaged or low-value forests; improving habitat for wildlife; supporting the use of fibre from damaged and low-value forests; and treating forests to improve the management of greenhouse gases. FESBC has been granted millions of dollars in funding and has partnered with the governments of B.C. and Canada to support hundreds of projects throughout B.C. to date. To learn more, subscribe to FESBC’s monthly newsletter or follow FESBC on social media:LinkedIn | Facebook | BlueSky
About the Kaslo and District Community Forest Society
The Kaslo and District Community Forest Society (KDCFS) is a locally governed community forest organization committed to sustainable forest management, community safety, ecological stewardship, and supporting local economic opportunities in and around Kaslo, British Columbia. Through collaborative partnerships and community-driven decision-making, KDCFS manages forest resources to balance environmental, recreational, cultural, and economic values while supporting long-term forest resilience and community wellbeing. The KDCFS works closely with local governments, contractors, residents, recreation groups, and other stakeholders to deliver projects that enhance wildfire resiliency, improve forest health, support habitat values, and strengthen community access and recreation opportunities.
To learn more visit: www.kaslocommunityforest.org
FESBC would like to gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Forests.