Short on time? Here are the highlights:

• The CNC Research Forest Society (CNCRFS) is seeking applications for projects that bring an environmental and/or social benefit to communities within the region served by the College of New Caledonia (CNC). Deadline for submissions is January 15, 2025, with successful projects to be announced in the spring. 
• The Society is increasing its grant funding for next year. There is now up to $100,000 available for ecosystem restoration projects and up to $60,000 for projects with a social and environmental benefit for communities. 
• CNCRFS Legacy Fund is open to individuals, businesses, community groups, First Nations communities, government agencies, as well as secondary and post-secondary schools in and around Valemount, McBride, Prince George, Bear Lake, McLeod Lake, Mackenzie, Quesnel, Fort St. James, Vanderhoof and Burns Lake.  

The CNC Research Forest Society’s legacy grant funding comes from the society’s activities in its research forest. These funds are separate from CNC’s operating budget.

The CNC Research Forest Society (CNCRFS) is increasing its grant funding for 2025 to make a greater impact in the region. There is now up to $100,000 available for ecosystem restoration projects and up to $60,000 for projects with a social and environmental benefit for communities. 

People or organizations with an existing project or a great project idea are encouraged to apply for the legacy fund grant. Projects must serve one or more of the following purposes: 

• ecosystem restoration 
• environmental rehabilitation 
• environmental impact reduction, renewable natural resource education and/or outreach programs 
• sustainable, low-impact recreation improvement 
• social and environmental commitment to local communities 

Since its inception in 2019, the legacy fund has provided $290,000 to individuals and organizations in Northcentral B.C. for their novel and collaborative community projects.

“Research, education, ecosystem stewardship, and Indigenous partnerships form the key areas of the Research Forest Society”, explains Carl Pollard, Manager CNC Research Forest and Interim Director, Applied Research & Innovation. “The projects from our funding recipients bring these areas together in very unique ways: from a food garden in the forest to community interpretive trails and native plant restoration.” 

Last year, CNCRFS awarded two legacy fund grants. Stellat’en First Nation received $50,000 for a multi-year project to reduce densities and increase foraging opportunities in a 40-hectare pine monoculture plantation near the community of Fraser Lake. School District 91: Nechako Lakes received the same amount to build an educational, interpretive trail system within the W.L. McLeod Wetland in Vanderhoof. 

The CNCRFS Legacy Fund is open to individuals, businesses, community groups, First Nations communities, government agencies, as well as secondary and post-secondary schools in and around Valemount, McBride, Prince George, Bear Lake, McLeod Lake, Mackenzie, Quesnel, Fort St. James, Vanderhoof and Burns Lake.  

In addition to the legacy funds program, CNCRFS provides independent management oversight to the CNC Research Forest. The Forest area was entrusted to CNC in 2009 as a critical resource and outdoor lab to support and enrich student education via the College’s Natural Resources and Forest Technology program. The Research Forest supports wide-ranging forestry and research operations in the region; and fosters working partnerships with the natural resources and forestry sector, government, First Nations, and other forest research groups. 

Visit the Research Forest Society Legacy Fund for more information on the program, previously funded projects, and full application details. The deadline for submissions is January 15, 2025. Successful projects will be announced in the spring.

For more information:

Jessie Scheele, Content and Media Relations Specialist
778 349 2876, scheelej1@cnc.bc.ca