Mission Municipal Forest (TFL26)
The Forestry Department is pleased to present a 5-video series on the Mission Municipal Forest, to better engage with residents on the Departments’ operations and to provide information on all the values that are considered when managing Tree Farm Licence 26.
Mission Municipal Forest
General Inquiries • Phone: 604-820-3762 •
The Forestry Department manages Mission Tree Farm Licence #26, also known as the Mission Municipal Forest. Tree Farm Licence 26 is located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Sto:lo people (Katzie, Kwantlen, Leq’a:mel, Matsqui, Musqueam, Peters, Seabird Island, Semihamoo, Shxwowhamel, and Sumas). The area is approximately 10,900 hectares of which about 12% is municipally owned and 88% is provincial crown land. The department completes harvesting, tree planting/reforestation, plantation brushing, tree spacing, tree pruning, road construction, forest fire prevention, forest interpretation and recreation in accordance with approved Management Plan 10, and its 2017-2022 Forest Stewardship Plan. The current Annual Allowable Cut is 60,000m³ – or approximately 80 hectares/year (0.7%).
The Municipal Forest is located in the northern part of Mission, generally surrounding the Steelhead area; and north of Stave Falls along the western shores of the Stave Reservoir. Since 1958, the Mission has managed its forest resources. Our Mission Statement: “Mission’s Municipal Forest is a community forest operating under the highest possible standards. The Mission Municipal Forest exists for the people of Mission, by creating a sustainable balance of various economic, social, scientific and environmental forest values as well as providing memorable forest experiences to Mission residents and its visitors”. Link to our Vision Statement and Forestry Strategic Plan.
| FORESTRY | forestry@mission.ca | 604-820-3762 |
|---|---|---|
| Director of Forestry | Chris Gruenwald | 604-820-3764 |
| Forestry Technologist | Kelly Cameron | 604-820-3784 |
Office Hours
The Forestry Department public office hours are available: Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Please note due to the nature of work, there may not be someone available in the office at all times – please call to confirm if you are coming from out of the City or make an appointment at 604-820-3762. For other general inquiries, please email: forestry@mission.ca
Forestry Updates:
New * Devil’s Lake Loop and 79 Grind trails are now open in Stave West. Limited parking is available, please do not park blocking safe industrial vehicle use on the main Florence Lake Forest Service Road at any time. Vehicles prohibiting access to roads or gates will be towed. If parking is full, please try to visit on a future date. For more trail information, please visit our Forest Trails page
Sorry, Christmas tree cutting is NOT permitted within the Municipal Forest. The Forestry Department is obligated to reforest its harvested areas to meet provincial guidelines, and the trees planted are generally fast growing and not suitable (minimal branches) for Christmas trees. Please visit a local Christmas tree grower near you, where you can select a full bushy sturdy tree grown for that purpose, while supporting a family. Often they offer music, hot chocolate, saws, and other activities. Please visit: https://www.bcchristmastrees.ca/member-directory/categories/lower-mainland/
Storing firewood by your deck? gutters filled with leaves? Rural property owners on the forest interface can learn about and apply the principals of FIRESMART BC to their properties. View the handy FireSmart Your Home guide!
Wildlife:
Mission is home to a variety of wildlife, from blacktail deer, bobcat, black bear and cougar. It is important to reduce encounters around our homes by securing attractants such as garbage and bird feeds, and be mindful of their presence when recreating in the forests around Mission.
WildSafeBC is a program designed to reduce human-wildlife conflict through education, innovation and cooperation.
To report aggressive wildlife – contact the conservation officer 24-hour hotline to report a violation: 1-877-952-7277 or #7277 on the TELUS Mobility Network
Target Shooting:
Target shooting has been prohibited since 1993, in all areas of the City of Mission, except at the Rod and Gun Club.If you encounter target shooting or have any safety concerns related to gun use, please contact the RCMP (604-826-7161)
or the City Bylaw department (604-820-3727) . If you are in imminent danger, please contact 911. R.A.P.P. – Report all Poachers and Pollutors 24 hour hotline: Cell #7277 (BC Conservation Office services).
Filming in the Municipal Forest:
The Municipal Forest boasts spectacular views of the Stave Reservoir, has many small lakes, single lane gravel logging roads, mature and immature timber, cut over areas, scenic vistas and trails. Enquiries for filming within the Municipal Forest can be made to: 604-820-3762.
Filming Regulation Bylaw