The Bella Coola Resource Society (BCRS) was formed in 2003 in response to the economic downturn experienced by the valley at that time.
It is a non-profit society run by volunteers. Membership is open to residents and/or property holders in the valley for a nominal, one time fee of $5. Members elect the 7 member Board of Directors for staggered, two year terms.
The current (2024/25) Directors of the BCRS are :
- Phil Mikkelson
- Don Mikkelson
- Sandy Maclaurin
- Chris Matthews
- Neil Oborne
- Elijah Mecham
- Thor Digustini
The BCRS holds the Bella Coola Community Forest Agreement in trust on behalf of the community, but it exclusively contracts out the day to day management and business of running the community forest to Bella Coola Community Forest Ltd (BCCFL). The role of the BCRS is to periodically (annually) review the performance of the BCCFL in terms of meeting the broad goals and objectives and that the contractual obligations between the two parties are met. As holder of the Community Forest tenure, BCRS charges a yearly fee to the BCCFL and is entitled to a share of the company profits, amounting to 15% of Common share dividend distributions. These profits are available for the BCRS to use for community benefit through donations and grants to various projects and organizations.
With the success of acquiring the Community Forest tenure and being the catalyst for the establishment of Bella Coola Community Forest Ltd, the BCRS is now switching its focus to development of the outdoor recreation potential in the spectacular Bella Coola area. In 2015, it formed the Bella Coola Trails Alliance which is comprised of volunteers with a passion for outdoor recreation. Their initial work is focused on development of a mountain bike trail network.
For information on becoming a member of the Bella Coola Resource Society or volunteering with the Bella Coola Trail Alliance, contact Bella Coola Resource Society at bellacoolaresourcesociety@gmail.com.
