FESBC — 2025-27 Fibre Utilization Funding

• The applicant must be a First Nation (band, Treaty First Nation, or Indigenous Government with land/resource authority) in British Columbia.
• Companies owned fully or partially by First Nation governments or Indigenous entrepreneurs are eligible.
• Applicants may be small area-based tenure holders such as Community Forest Agreement holders and Woodlot Licensees.
• Forest tenure holders, fibre suppliers, or purchasers of non-sawlog fibre who do not own or control a dimensional softwood lumber manufacturing facility are eligible.
• Provincial government agencies (such as the Ministry of Forests or other provincial entities) and local governments (municipalities or regional districts) in British Columbia are eligible.

Who is eligible?

• First Nations (bands, Treaty First Nations, and Indigenous Governments with land and resource authority) in British Columbia
• Companies wholly or partially owned by First Nation governments or Indigenous entrepreneurs
• Small area-based tenure holders, including Community Forest Agreement holders and Woodlot Licensees
• Forest tenure holders, fibre suppliers, or purchasers of non-sawlog fibre without ownership or control of dimensional softwood lumber manufacturing facilities
• Ministry of Forests and other provincial government agencies
• Local governments (municipalities or regional districts) in British Columbia

Who is not eligible

• Companies or tenure holders that manufacture dimensional softwood lumber.

Eligible expenses

• Incremental delivery costs for transporting uneconomic residual fibre to non-sawlog facilities, including skidding/forwarding, processing, loading, hauling, road maintenance fees, onsite grinding/chipping, and stumpage (validated as per recent rates).
• Other incremental costs directly related to fibre delivery, if deemed acceptable by FESBC.
• Project administration costs required to complete FESBC project planning and reporting requirements.
• GST, if applicable.

Eligible geographic areas

• British Columbia provincial crown land

• Cost effectiveness of the project (measured as dollars per cubic metre).
• Level of First Nations involvement in the project.
• Utilization of uneconomic fibre from fire and insect damaged stands.
• Innovative end products, methods, or equipment proposed to improve delivery efficiency.
• Quality of the application and adherence to application requirements.

• Step 1: Review Program Guide and Requirements
  • Download and study the FESBC 2025-27 Fibre Utilization Funding Program Guide and the FESIMS Guide for Submitting a Proposal.
  • Ensure your project aligns with the funding program's objectives and requirements.
  • Contact FESBC staff for any clarifications needed on the application process or requirements.
• Step 2: Register and Access FESIMS Portal
  • Create an account or log in to the Forest Enhancement Society Information Management System (FESIMS) portal.
  • Ensure you are a registered user, or obtain written authorization if you are submitting on behalf of an eligible applicant.
• Step 3: Prepare Application Package
  • Complete the FESBC 2025-27 Fibre Utilization Incremental Cost Calculation Template, including detailed cost information and delivery schedule.
  • Prepare required maps in PDF format (and kml/kmz files) showing project locations and relevant boundaries.
  • Gather supporting documentation (e.g., verification of fibre utilization within the economic radius, status of cutting authorities, written support from the Ministry of Forests if applicable).
  • Compile objectives, project area details, comprehensive cost estimates, timelines, and intended results as required in the FESIMS portal sections.
• Step 4: Submit Application via FESIMS
  • Upload the completed application package, including all templates, maps, and supporting documents, to the FESIMS portal.
  • Fill out all required fields and ensure the accuracy and completeness of your submission.
• Step 5: Application Review and Assessment
  • Await FESBC's review of your application against key selection criteria.
  • Be prepared to provide additional information or clarification if requested by FESBC staff during the assessment process.
• Step 6: Notification of Funding Decision
  • Receive verbal and written notification from FESBC staff regarding the funding decision.
  • If approved, review any attached terms or conditions provided by FESBC.
• Step 7: Enter Recipient Agreement and Project Planning
  • Enter into a Recipient Agreement with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) as required.
  • Submit detailed Project Plans with identified milestones through FESIMS.
  • Secure all required land manager authorizations before commencing any project activities.
• Step 8: Reporting and Monitoring
  • Complete mandatory reporting requirements, including submitting milestone claims, invoices, proof of completion, and other documentation as stipulated by FESBC and PwC.
  • Participate in audits or site inspections if requested during or after project implementation.

• All applicants must be registered users or create an account in the FESIMS portal to submit applications.
• Recipients may be subject to audits or site visits during the project term and for up to three years after funding distribution.
• FESBC and the Government of B.C. must be acknowledged in project communications and materials as specified in the funding agreement.
• Confidentiality is observed for all application documents, but submissions are subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.