FORT NElSON, B.C. – Northern Rockies Regional Municipality has received the region’s first cut and harvest in 12 years.

A partnership between the Fort Nelson First Nation and the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality led to the acquisition of the largest community forest in the province of British Columbia. Over 200,000 cubic metres can be harvested each year.

According to Mayor Gary Foster, this gives them control over their forests and gives them a way to attract business to the community.

“We’ve been without a forest industry here for over a decade, and it’s had a devastating impact on our community, businesses, and homeowners.”

Getting forestry back up and running has been a priority for the council.

“We said during the election that our primary interest here is to restore the economy of the Northern Rockies.”

It will take about a year to get the operation going, bringing more work to the community.

Foster says the energy around the community is one of a renewed sense of optimism.

“We’re very excited about this, it will be bringing about 300 jobs to our community.”

The company’s mission is to make sustainable, renewable products that will reduce the carbon footprint. Around 600,000 tonnes of wood pellets will be produced each year.

The full Moose Talks interview can be viewed below.