The Province is continuing its fight against the mountain pine beetle epidemic with a $9-million infusion to help B.C.’s three beetle action coalitions continue their front-line battle.
Last week, the Southern Interior Beetle Action Coalition (SIBAC) was presented with a cheque for $3 million (over three years) in funding by Donna Barnett, Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Economic Development (to the Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation)
Director Randy McLean (Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District) said “This funding is great news for the Southern Interior and will assist SIBAC in our ability to help those communities, most hard-hit by mountain pine beetle impacts, to help themselves by supporting their diversification initiatives.”
SIBAC has broad representation throughout the southern interior including nine regional districts, six tribal councils and the Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations (CFDC-CIFN). Director Geri Collins (CFDC-CIFN) added “I am very pleased with this funding that will support both First Nations and non-First Nations communities with beneficial local project initiatives.”
SIBAC is one of three Beetle Action Coalitions in BC’s Interior created in 2005-2006 to develop and implement mitigation plans in order to help affected communities endure the impacts of the mountain pine beetle epidemic. The funding is intended to support projects approved by the Beetle Action Coalitions that will create business partnerships, diversify local and regional economies, find innovative and value-added uses for forest resources and explore new industries to assist rural interior communities through this transition.
The mountain pine beetle has already affected an estimated 17.5 million hectares of pine forest, affecting economies and livelihoods all over the province.
- Ministry of Jobs, Tourism, and Innovation