The Cumberland Community Forest Society (CCFS) is seeking expressions of interest from community members to serve on our board of directors. We are seeking 2 new members who can contribute time and energy as passionate champions for our values, vision and our strategic goals in land protection, stewardship and climate resilience in the Village of Cumberland and beyond.
Since the year 2000 the Cumberland Community Forest Society (CCFS) has been purchasing and protecting privately owned forest lands surrounding the Village of Cumberland in the unceded territory of the K’omoks First Nation. To date the society has completed 5 major land acquisitions totalling over 550 acres of lands. These lands have been protected through Section 219 conservation covenants. The CCFS has a strong history of creative community partnerships and unique engagement strategies to achieve their fundraising and land securement goals. Since 2017, the CCFS has evolved and expanded their activities from fundraising and localized land securement to include environmental stewardship projects, as well as strategic leadership in regional watershed protection, sustainable economic development, and community climate resilience efforts. This ongoing evolution in activities is reflected in our CCFS 5 Year Strategic Plan 2023-2028
The CCFS board follows the principles of “Policy Governance” (see: The-Ten-Principles-of-Policy-Governance). This means that the board sets and monitors policy, including Vision and Strategic Goals (Ends) and then delegates the achievement of these Ends to their Executive Director. Board members provide the link between our organization and our community and help to build connections, identify opportunities, and ensure the long term sustainability of our efforts and our organization. Committee meetings are very limited and ad hoc (policy, HR). Board meetings are monthly (currently on the 3rd Wednesday of the month). Board members are highly encouraged to engage as volunteers with at least one CCFS project, initiative or event – and have fun while they’re doing it! Board members are elected for 2 year terms.
A copy of the Cumberland Community Forest Society Board Policy Package can be found here: CCFS Board Policy Manual 2024
Our Vision: The Cumberland Community Forest Society is a passionate, effective and unifying leader; championing land conservation and ecological stewardship; in support of ecosystem health, drinking water protection, and community climate resilience; in the Village of Cumberland, the surrounding region, and beyond.
We Value…
- Our responsibilities in an interconnected web upon which all life depends
- Right relationships with nature, community and indigenous peoples
- Work that is based in science and informed by community
- Protecting and restoring land and water to the commons
- The sustainability of our efforts and our organization
- Meaningful collaboration, trust, and shared power
- Storytelling, creativity, passion and joy
Interested persons should submit a letter to info@cumberlandforest.com before Monday February 19th and share some background information, your inspiration or motivation for getting involved, and how our vision and values resonate for you.
Submissions will be reviewed by the Board Nominating committee on February 21st. Successful nominees will be contacted by February 29th
The CCFS AGM will be held Wednesday March 13th 2024 at 7 pm at the Cumberland Masonic Hall.