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.
To date the society has purchased 545 acres in 5 purchases, with conservation covenants registered on the lands to ensure their future protection.
Guided by the belief that community ownership of local forests better protects ecosystems and drinking water, the CCFS society is supported by incredible donors from across the region and beyond.
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 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
Cumberland Forest Volunteer Social March 18, 5-6:45 pm at the Abbey Studio Every year we invite volunteers to gather and learn about our upcoming projects, events and land acquisition, meet […]
Explore lower Middle Earth with Tal Engel of Wolf Tree Forest Rehabilitation and learn about some of the ways we might actively restore ecological health and resilience in this highly […]
LATEST NEWS & FUN FACTS
Call for Expressions of Interest – CCFS Board of Directors
The Cumberland Community Forest Society (CCFS) is currently calling for expressions of interest to join the CCFS Board of Directors. Board members are nominated for a 2 year term at our upcoming AGM on Thursday May 21st at the Abbey Studio in Cumberland. There are currently 2 positions to be
80 days to Middle Earth!
We are in the final countdown to our next land purchase in the Trent Watershed with just 80 days remaining until we close the deal on 261.82 acres (106-hectares) of private forest lands called Middle Earth! This epic undertaking has taken just one year thanks to the incredible generosity of
Protect Middle Earth
In the spring of 2025, the CCFS launched a new purchase project to the east of the existing Cumberland Community Forest called Middle Earth, a 261 acre forest in the Trent River Watershed, K’omoks Territory. Wetlands, riparian corridors, rocky bluffs and multi-use trails wind through this forested landscape. This area
Cumberland Forest Reflections – 2025 in Review
We hope that these long dark winter days offer time for reflection and connection with community, friends, family, and the stillness of nature. 2025 has been a remarkable year, filled with rich collaborations and exciting new projects. Together with hundreds of volunteers and community partners we continue to champion watershed
The Forest – A Story Unfolding
A story is emerging from beneath the tall trees and shadows of the Cumberland Forest. This is story that has been unfolding for ages. It’s a story that knows a time before the spin of tires and pounding of shoes, a story that remembers a time before the falling of
Be Bat Friendly for Bat Week!
The North Island BC Community Bat Program is encouraging residents to celebrate Bat Week 2025, an international celebration of bats and their importance to ecosystems and communities. Bat Week runs from October 24 to 31, 2025. Learn more about bats by attending a local bat talk, visiting a local library,