Residents across the southern Thompson-Okanagan are being invited to help shape the future of forests in their communities through a series of open houses and a public survey this spring and summer.
People living in Keremeos, Princeton, Merritt, Vernon, Kamloops, Ashcroft and nearby communities are being asked to share what matters most to them as work continues on the tmíxʷ naqscn Forest Landscape Plan.
The province and participating First Nations said public feedback will help guide decisions related to forest stewardship, wildfire risk, watershed protection, biodiversity and long-term forest sustainability.
The survey opens May 11 and runs until July 10, 2026.
In-person open houses and a virtual town hall are also planned to give residents an opportunity to ask questions, learn more about forest planning and discuss priorities directly with planners.
“This process is about hearing from the people who live, work and spend time in these forests,” the province said in background material accompanying the engagement process.
The name tmíxʷ naqscn combines words from the nsyilxcən and nłeʔkepmxcín languages meaning “the land and all living things” and “one voice.” Organizers said the name reflects a shared approach to caring for the land.
The plan is being developed in partnership with several First Nations in the region, including members of the Nlaka’pamux, Syilx and Secwépemc Nations.
Officials said local knowledge and community priorities will help influence future forest-management decisions in the region.
Forest landscape plans are part of the province’s broader effort to modernize forest management through increased collaboration with First Nations, local governments, industry and residents.
Open houses are scheduled for:
- Keremeos — May 25
- Princeton — May 26
- Merritt — May 27
- Coldstream — June 8
- Kamloops — June 9
- Ashcroft — June 10
A virtual town hall is scheduled for June 15.
Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81380867582?pwd=dNBGrsi4ZtaR9Xqx1lSCDcoXx6P6JL.1
