The Lower North Thompson Community Forest Society (LNTCF) has a new business home in Barriere, and welcomed the community to tour the newly-renovated building during an open house on Feb. 13.
Attendees were greeted by a large drone photo taken by LNTCF general manager Mike Francis. It shows the Wikiup area off South Lake Road, where the community forest team has undertaken wildfire mitigation. The photo shows new green forested growth, and is mounted with overlaid descriptive photos by Visual Design in Kamloops.
A number of local officials were on hand during the open house, including Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Ward Stamer, TNRD Area "O" director Jill Hayward, former Barriere Chamber of Commerce president Bill Kershaw, District of Barriere council members, and the two mayoral candidates running in the March 1 by-election: former councillor and deputy mayor Rob Kerslake and former mayor William Humphreys.
LNTCF chair Harley Wright spoke about the striking drone image. “I was impressed watching it being installed, pretty incredible,” he said. “I’m surprised at how they were able to enlarge it without creating distortion somehow. You really don’t imagine something so well done until you take on a project like this.”
The building — formerly known as Barriere Auto Parts — was purchased by the LNTCF from Kelly Graffunder, who also owns Fleetwest Industrial Logging Supplies in Clearwater. The society renovated the building to meet its growing operational needs, and plans to provide additional rentable space to another local business that will assist with revenue-building.
Many of the attendees commented on the attractive look of the outside of the newly-renovated building, which features eye-catching green siding and timber pillars. "The timber construction on the front was done by Uli Migl and Tyler Salle," said Wright. "Mike Graves completed the siding, and the timbers were sourced from our community forest sawmill."
Wright also encouraged those in attendance to consider becoming a member of the society. Forestry technician Sky Jarvis was on hand to provide more information, and noted that people could stop by the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays to sign up for a five-year membership, which costs $5.
The society's general manager, Mike Francis, told the ronaldomanosa that the LNTCF will be covering the cost of two two-day S100 and S185 courses in the near future.
"[It is] a basic wildfire suppression and safety training program that covers essential topics like wildfire behaviour, suppression tactics, safety procedures, and fire entrapment avoidance," he explained. "Space is limited, so if people are interested they should sign up with us as soon as possible. Dates and locations will be announced."
During the open house a beautifully painted mural by a young local artist, Harmony Trommeshauser, was also unveiled. She had approached the LNTCF board with an offer to work with them to design a tri-split image of a nearby mountain range, with Dunn Peak featured in the centre.
Wright praised Trommeshauser, saying the board of directors was “so impressed with what she’s created.”
“This is something I never expected to happen," she said. "I came freshly out of high school without really any direction in mind of what I wanted to do or where I was going. This opportunity landed in my lap and has changed the whole course of where I thought I was going before now. I’m so grateful for this experience. and thank you to the board.”
Outside signage will soon be installed, Wright added. He commented on the workmanship of the society’s mill manager, Ken Beck, who finished the large wood slab boardroom table on wheels in time for the event. It was put to use during the board meeting which followed the open house.
The LNTCF was founded in 2003 after the McLure Wildfire ravaged the region, burning approximately 26,000 hectares and damaging 72 homes and nine businesses in the Lower North Thompson Valley, including the Tolko Mill in Louis Creek.
Since its formation, the society has supported Lower North Thompson residents and businesses by creating employment opportunities, offering training and forestry education, and providing community enhancements through grants for non-profits, as well as scholarships and bursaries presented to local graduates.
To learn more about the Lower North Thompson Community Forest, visit their website at https://lntcfs.org/.
