Northern Plan Area Economic Opportunities and Barriers Study

Summary
will impact Mid Coast silviculture activities as the Mid Coast in not considered a high
priority for silviculture due to many of the areas in poor to medium growing sites.
Botanical Forest Products: Northern Plan Area
This can be considered a potential new industry for the Central Coast. The interest in
botanical forest products has risen dramatically over the past ten years. A growing
popularity in alternative and traditional medicine, an aging population concerned with
nutrition, a keen market for essential oils and a healthy floral industry is attracting more
attention to the harvesting of fresh botanicals. There is currently one medicinal local
product that is receiving attention for its properties.
The mushroom industry on the Central Coast is a significant generator of seasonal
income for many residents with over $2 million generated in 1999. This unregulated
industry is increasingly in conflict with forest harvesting, ownership of the resource and
park use. There are several local buyers for mushrooms with good connections to the
Japanese markets, local pickers are also available and are knowledgeable about the
industry.
Wholesale buyers and markets should be researched. Products that are not too costly to
ship in bulk should be a key goal. This could be considered an alternative industry that
would augment the mushroom picking industry. Potential barriers would be in the impact
on target species, sustainability and marketing of the products.
Agriculture: Northern Plan Area
The only Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) occurs in the Bella Coola valley. ALR land is
designated as such due to its growing capability and close proximity to human settlement.
Other areas of the Central Coast may have growing potential but are not identified due to
heavy forest cover and remoteness. Bella Coola was once a contributor to providing food
for Central Coast communities. Today, much of the ALR land has reverted to small
forest cover. Many existing operations produce hay for cattle and horse feed. There is a
growing interest in larger, higher producing gardens and fruit production. There is an
active farmers market that is very popular. Markets, unless very specialized will remain
local due to distance to urban markets and competition from the larger lower mainland
greenhouses. There is potential for organic products, but high production costs may
prevent that from happening. There is increased potential to transport products to the
outer coast communities if BC Ferries extended their season to coincide with the annual
harvest. There is potential to deliver summer and fall products throughout the Chilcotin
as their growing season is very short. Expect local markets to expand as markets emerge
and the higher paying traditional forestry and fishing jobs decline.
Minerals: Northern Plan Area
There has been interest in mineral development on the Central Coast since the late 1800’s
when the gold rush in the Cariboo began. The heavy forest cover, steep sided mountains
and remoteness prevented any significant development other that the Surf Inlet gold
mine. The Central Coast has excellent potential for development of some mineral
resources. Demand for aggregate, crushed granite and dimensional stone for building is
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