The Cumberland Forest is part of an interconnected system of forests, salmon bearing creeks, wetlands and riparian areas located on Vancouver Island in the unceded territory of the Pentlatch, Ieeksan (eye-ick-sun), Sasitla (sa-seet-la), and Sathloot (sath-loot) people, known today as the K’omoks First Nation.
This forest is an integral part of both the Trent and Puntledge Watersheds, feeds Comox Lake, and forms a critical link in an extensive biodiversity corridor that connects mountains and lakes to the Salish Sea. This forest is privately owned by timber companies.
The Cumberland Forest has given a great deal to our community. The colonial history of Vancouver Island was built on logging and mining and the Cumberland Forest was a significant base for both activities.
The Cumberland Community Forest Society (CCFS) is a charitable society formed 25 years ago with the mission to purchase, protect and care for the Cumberland Forest.
Guided by the belief that this forest is worth more to our community standing than as timber, the society is supported by individuals, organizations and businesses from across the region and beyond.
To date the society has purchased 545 acres in 5 separate purchases and registered conservation covenants on the lands to ensure their future protection. The most recent purchase was December 21st 2022 when 44 acres known as the Lower Perseverance Corridor Project was purchased by the community.
Today a multi use trail system enjoyed by a variety of users winds its way through this landscape. Cedar groves and riparian areas support rich biodiversity and new restoration projects are supporting ecosystem recovery.
We’re not done yet and we are currently working on new land protection initiatives to expand the conservation lands, protect our drinking watershed and build climate resilience in the landscape.
Please support our land protection and stewardship efforts, and help us let these forests grow old by becoming a donor today.
#protectcumberlandforest #restorethecommons #weshareawatershed #cvconservation #projectperseverance
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Save Our Forest
The Cumberland Forest is part of an interconnected system of forests, creeks, wetlands and riparian areas that form part of both the Trent and Puntledge Watersheds. The ecosystem is an important link that connects the mountains, rivers and lakes of Vancouver Island to the shores of the Salish Sea.
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Recent Successes
In 2005 we purchased 178 acres of forest for $1.2 million. In 2016 we acquired another 89 acres of forest directly adjacent to the first parcel. On September 1st 2020, we completed a 225 acres purchase along Perseverance Creek to the southwest of the existing lands and in December 2023 the 44 acre Lower Perseverance Creek corridor was protected.
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You Can Help
There are many ways that you can support this exciting community conservation effort. You can become a monthly donor, a one time contributor or develop a unique business campaign to raise funds. You can also share your skills, talents and energy as a volunteer for one of our super fun events.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Join the Cumberland Community Forest Society for our annual general meeting. We will be reviewing financial statements for the 2023/2024 financial year, sharing project updates and election our 2025/2026 CCFS […]
Join the Cumberland Community Forest Society and community friends and partners for 7 days of earth loving learning, connection and fun! Workshops, film screenings, work parties and guided walks are […]
LATEST NEWS & FUN FACTS
Spring Stewardship and Volunteer Opportunities!
With hints of spring all around us we’re getting some stewardship work parties onto the calendar! For those of you keen to get your hands and feet dirty, Program Coordinator Heather Thomson is leading some upcoming activities! Invasive Species Management – March 13 and April 21, 9:30 am -12 pm
Calling All Gumboot Fairies!
In celebration of our 25th anniversary the Cumberland Community Forest Society is Calling All Gumboot Fairies! The Gumboot Fairies of the Cumberland Forest are a long standing tradition. Since our early years as an organization our community has joined in the annual MayDay Parade dressed up as a colourful cacophony
Watersheds, Wildfire and Changing Forest Landscapes
This day-long symposium will explore changing ecosystems and emerging wildfire risk, land ownership and management contexts, relationship building, knowledge holding and knowledge sharing, and collaborations and projects that help to improve ecosystem health and build wildfire resilience in the Wildland Urban Interface of the Comox Lake Watershed. Registration is limited and
Winter Bird Walk with Jason Straka
Join us for this special holiday offering! Winter is a wonderful time to learn about the birds of Cumberland. Monday December 30th let’s celebrate the coming new year with a guided walk through the Village observing birds that make Cumberland their winter home. Your guide is CCFS Director Jason Straka. Jason
Support the Year-End Cumberland Forest Fund
Our Cumberland Forest Fund year end drive continues and we hope you will consider making a 2024 charitable donation to support our ongoing conservation efforts in the forests, waters and community of Cumberland (and beyond!) 2024 has been another remarkable year filled with learning, action and advocacy! From the construction
Cumberland Forest Executive Director receives King Charles III medal
In a small ceremony held in September, Cumberland resident Meaghan Cursons received the King Charles III Coronation Medal. The medal, presented by MLA Josie Osbourne, recognizes Cursons’ significant contributions to the Village of Cumberland and the wider Comox Valley. Osborne, whose provincial Mid Island-Pacific Rim riding includes Cumberland, said “there