The Nakusp and Area Community Forest (NACFOR) is very proud to announce that we have been chosen as the 2026 recipients of the Robin Hood Memorial Award for Excellence in Community Forestry. The BC Community Forest Association and the Province of BC award this to one community forest each year that exemplifies leadership in sustainable forest management and community impact. NACFOR accepted the award at the 2026 BCCFA Conference and AGM in Vernon on June 4th. Thank you very much to all who have been involved in NACFOR’s success!
BC Government News Release:
The Nakusp and Area Community Forest (NACFOR) is being recognized with the 2026 Robin Hood Memorial Award for Excellence in Community Forestry.
“When you look at what community forestry means in practice, from wildfire resilience, to local jobs and real partnerships, NACFOR stands out,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “They are showing what it looks like when forestry is done with and for the community, all while building stability and protecting the land for the people who depend on it.”
Local leaders shape future forests
NACFOR is a community-owned corporation that manages nearly 12,600 hectares of forest on behalf of the Village of Nakusp and surrounding Arrow Lakes communities. With a focus on reinvesting revenues locally, NACFOR has built a model that prioritizes long-term economic resilience and responsible forest stewardship.
“The Nakusp and Area Community Forest is proud to be the 2026 recipient of the Robin Hood Memorial Award for Excellence in Community Forestry,” said Mike Crone, general manager, Nakusp and Area Community Forest. “We recognize the over 20 years of dedication and effort from our community, board members, management teams, contractors, volunteers and partners that have gone into making community forestry a success in the Arrow Lakes region. We are feeling invigorated and look forward to the next 20 years of successfully providing social, environmental and economic benefits through sustainable management of the forest land base.”
With a strong commitment to transparency and engagement, NACFOR continues to build relationships with local governments and community members, ensuring forestry decisions reflect shared values and priorities. Through public outreach and ongoing consultation, NACFOR is helping communities better understand and shape the future of their forests.
Stewarding forests for long-term resilience
For longer than two decades, NACFOR has developed strong operational foundations, supported local contractors and ensured safe and sustainable forestry practices. NACFOR has taken a leading role in wildfire risk reduction in the region. Guided by the Community Wildfire Protection Plan, the organization has implemented fuel-management treatments throughout multiple high-risk areas surrounding Nakusp. These efforts are helping protect forests, infrastructure and homes.
“On behalf of the BC Community Forest Association, we extend our sincere congratulations to the Nakusp and Area Community Forest on receiving the Robin Hood Memorial Award,” said Jennifer Gunter, executive director, BC Community Forest Association. “NACFOR has demonstrated outstanding leadership through its commitment to stewardship, wildfire resiliency, community partnerships and long-term local benefits. Their work reflects the values at the heart of community forestry and the spirit of the Robin Hood Memorial Award.”
NACFOR manages its land base for a wide range of community values, such as domestic watersheds and culturally important resources. The organization has worked closely with experts and local interest holders to protect sensitive habitats, including developing best management practices for western toads.
