Cumberland Community Forest Society
The Cumberland Community Forest Society (CCFS) is a registered Canadian charity (Business No. 888950219RR0001) dedicated to preserving forest ecosystems in the Village of Cumberland on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Established approximately 25 years ago, its mission centers on acquiring and safeguarding threatened watersheds, wetlands, and forests within the traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, including unceded Pentlatch, Ieeksan, Sasitla, and Sathloot lands[1][4].

Mission and Activities
CCFS focuses on purchasing privately owned forest lands to prevent logging and ensure long-term ecological protection. Through community fundraising, it has acquired over 545 acres (as of 2022) across five separate purchases, placing these lands under conservation covenants to restrict industrial activity[1][5]. Key projects include the 2022 acquisition of 44 acres in the Lower Perseverance Corridor, which protects salmon-bearing creeks and riparian zones critical to the Trent and Puntledge watersheds[1][4].

Ecosystem Significance
The society’s protected areas form part of a biodiversity corridor linking Comox Lake to the Salish Sea, supporting endangered species such as wild coho salmon and red-legged frogs[2][4]. These lands also encompass rain shadow forests, cedar groves, and heritage sites like the historic No. 2 and No. 3 coal mines[2][5].

Community Engagement
CCFS collaborates with local stakeholders to maintain multi-use trail networks for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife observation[1][2]. Annual events, including the Perseverance Trail Run, have raised nearly $1 million to support conservation efforts[5]. The Comox Valley Land Trust monitors covenanted lands annually to ensure compliance with ecological protections[2].

Expansion and Stewardship
The society continues pursuing land acquisitions to enhance climate resilience and protect drinking water sources. Ongoing initiatives include habitat restoration and ecosystem recovery projects in collaboration with regional partners[1][4].