Tyhee Forestry Consultants Ltd., based out of Smithers, is the new forest management contractor for Dungate Community Forest.
Dungate Community Forest, established in 2008, is an area-based tenure located southeast of Houston and is managed in partnership with the District of Houston. It is 14,212 hectares of predominately spruce and pine forest, with an Annual Allowable Cut of 29,000 m3.
Historically, Canfor managed the day-to-day forestry operations of the community forest. With Canfor announcing the permanent shutdown of its Houston mill in 2024, the Dungate Community Forest Board of Directors decided to pursue other options for management.
Board Chair Steven Wright said that prior to the Canfor mill closure, Dungate Community Forest was already looking to move its management practices closer to the provincial model. Dungate Community Forest is a member of the BC Community Forest Association. Wright also said that Dungate is actively engaging with local First Nations regarding partnership in the community forest.
Wright explained, “One of the benefits having Canfor as our management contractor was that the wood was milled in Houston. Now it’s not milled in Houston so the advantages of Canfor as manager have diminished.
“One of our goals is to create jobs in the community. We want community forest wood to stay here,” said Wright.
Canfor’s contract with Dungate expired on December 31, 2024, and despite Canfor expressing interest in continuing with the community forest, the Board remained certain that they wanted a change and officially hired Tyhee Forestry on April 9, 2025. Tyhee Forestry has a long-standing presence in the Bulkley Valley and is based out of Smithers.
Peter Tweedie, owner of Tyhee Forestry, said he is “a firm believer in the community forest model.”
“My forestry is in the forest,” said Tweedie, who has also managed the Granisle Community Forest since 2012. He enjoys being out of the office and on the ground. “I am interested in the diversity of work that community forests offer and am excited to be a part of Dungate Community Forest’s story going forward.”
Tweedie acknowledged that Houston faces a tough economic situation with both of its major mills shutting down over the past 12 years, with West Fraser in 2013 and Canfor in 2024.
His goal is to employ a variety of local contractors and create community engagement opportunities, such as student work experience, enhanced recreational use, and educational events.
The Dungate Community Forest Board of Directors are Steven Wright (Chair), Marion Tiljoe Shepherd, Devin McKilligan, Craig Stoltenberg, Rebecca Werner, Teo Grelson, and Rebecca Hougen as the District of Houston representative.
In 2024, Dungate Community Forest donated $170,719.55 to clubs and organizations, scholarships, and events in the Houston area.