Harley Wright – Chairman
Harley Wright was born in Redvers, Saskatchewan and later settled in Barriere, British
Columbia, where he raised his family and built a successful career in the forest industry. He worked in the sawmill sector for many years before retiring in 2015, developing a deep appreciation for the role forestry plays in supporting rural communities and local economies. He was voted Citizen of the Year in 1994 and was active in bringing some of the Olympic Summer Games to Barriere.
Before his retirement, Harley pursued further education by completing a dendrology course at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops. The course broadened his understanding of forest ecosystems and strengthened his commitment to sustainable forest management and community forestry.
Harley has a long history of community involvement and volunteer service. He served on the Board of the Barriere Improvement District until the community’s incorporation and has dedicated many years to advancing local initiatives. His interest in community forestry led him to join the Lower North Thompson Community Forest Society, where he currently serves as Chairperson, following Ron Hindson’s retirement. He was also President of the Community Forest Association for seven years, helping guide the organization through important stages of development and growth.
His commitment to community service continues today through his involvement with the
Barriere and District Fall Fair and Rodeo Association, where he currently serves as First Vice- President. Over the years, he has also contributed as a Scout leader, helping young people develop outdoor skills, leadership, and confidence.
An avid outdoorsman, Harley enjoys fishing, hunting, and exploring British Columbia’s natural landscapes. His adventurous spirit has led him to pursue a variety of interests, including scuba diving and aviation. He obtained his pilot’s licence and was a co-owner of a Cessna 150 aircraft, combining his love of learning with a passion for flight.
Throughout his career and retirement, Harley has remained a strong advocate for rural economic development. He believes communities can create greater prosperity by expanding local value-added industries and processing opportunities, ensuring that more of the benefits from natural resources remain within the region. His ongoing dedication to forestry, community service, and economic development reflects his enduring commitment to the future of Barriere and the surrounding area.
Kathy Cooper – Vice Chair
Kathy graduated in 1978 from BSS, married a local boy, Doug Cooper and raised a son and a daughter here in Barriere and now has five grandchildren.
She joined the LNTCFS Board of Directors in 2020 during the Covid pandemic,
aware of the contributions the Society had made throughout the valley; the Barriere
Splash park, docks at Gorman & Dixon lakes, Scholarships & Grants, Job creation and
Firewood.
Kathy brings a good understanding of the management and processes of the Sawmilling and the Forest Industry from her 39 years in key administration roles at Gilbert Smith Forest Products Ltd.
She spent one term on Barriere’s Inaugural Council and assisted with the setup of
Municipal Government in 2008.
Kathy knows the hard work that goes into organizing and fundraising events and is proud to have been honoured as Barriere’s 2001 Citizen of the Year for her efforts.
She is an advocate for the Terry Fox Foundation and has been for over 30 years. Kathy is also currently Chairman of the Board at Yellowhead Pioneer Residence, of which she’s been a member since 2012.
“I am small town proud and believe in striving for community excellence.”
Norm Kienitz – Secretary/Treasurer
Norm Kienitz has been a member of the Board since 2013 and Treasurer since 2018. Now retired, he has experience in business and health care, and cares strongly about the community and the environment we all live in.
Dan Winiski – Director
Dan is a dedicated community advocate and long-time property owner at East Barriere
Lake with a strong commitment to sustainable stewardship and responsible
governance. He currently serves on the Advisory Planning Commission with the TNRD
and on the Board of the East Barriere Lake Fire Brigade Society, contributing his
experience and perspective to initiatives that support the long-term well-being of the
community.
Dan joined the Community Forest Board with a desire to help ensure the Society’s
tenure is managed thoughtfully and responsibly for future generations. He brings more
than 40 years of business and leadership experience from his career with Canadian
Pacific, where he developed extensive expertise in operations, strategic planning and
organizational management.
Drawing on this background, Dan is committed to supporting the Board in maintaining
the longevity, continuity and success of the Community Forest while helping ensure its
benefits continue to serve the community for years to come.
Wim Houben – Director
Wim has been involved in the community forest since day one after the 2003 wildfires. He has been a board member for over a decade.
Greg Fennell – Director
Greg was born and raised in Barriere and has been a small business owner since the age of 18. He spent 40 years working in the forest industry, gaining experience in many aspects of logging, including high lead logging, operating his own logging show, road building, and finishing his career in silviculture and site preparation before retiring in 2023.
Greg has been a member of the Lower North Thompson Community Forest Society for 19 years. He joined the organization as a way to share his extensive forestry experience, contribute to his community, and give back in a meaningful way.
Terry Corley – Director
Terry grew up in the interior of BC in a logging family. He attended the College of New Caledonia in Prince George and was later hired by the Ministry of Forests. Terry worked for the MoF for 35 years in various departments and locations. He joined the board of directors after learning about the LNTCFS and listening to some presentations about what the society does for the community.
“I enjoy working with the knowledgeable and compassionate group we have.”
Trish Thompson – Director
Trish has been a director since 2024. She has worked in the forest industry for many years in an administrative role, and her husband has been in the logging industry in the North Thompson Valley since they moved to Barriere 36 years ago.
Trish is proud to be a board member of an organization that gives back to the community through grants and scholarships and is committed to a sustainable forest industry so that it will be around for many years to come.
Daniel Arcand – Director
Dan has lived in the North Thompson Valley for 20 years and brings more than 30 years of experience in the forest industry. A Forest Technician and Registered Professional Forester (RPF), Dan offers extensive knowledge and experience in forestry and natural resource management.
Dan previously served as Vice Chair of the LNTCFS and enjoyed his time as a Director. He is passionate about volunteering on community projects and sees his involvement with the Community Forest as a meaningful way to contribute his skills, experience, and time.
Having volunteered on numerous projects throughout the North Thompson, Dan remains committed to supporting the community and the sustainable management of local forest resources.
John Reedy – Director
John has lived in the North Thompson Valley for over a decade and is passionate about supporting his community and local organizations.
A retired business owner, John brings 45 years of experience as a certified plumber and gasfitter, along with extensive community and board experience. He previously served as a Director with ATVBC and currently serves as a Director with both the Barriere Forks Fire Protection Society and the Barriere Curling Club.
John joined the LNTCFS Board as another way to give back, support local organizations, and contribute to the community he calls home.
Simone Lampreau – Director
Simone has called the North Thompson Valley home for 43 years. Elected to Simpcw Council in 2024, Simone currently holds the portfolios for Elders, Language and Culture, Health, and Natural Resources.
With a Bachelor of Social Work and many years of experience in the field, Simone is committed to strengthening the Simpcw community and supporting future generations. She is an active member of the Language Cohort and is passionate about the revitalization of Secwépemc language and cultural practices.
As the Natural Resources portfolio holder, Simone joined the LNTCFS Board to strengthen the working relationship between Simpcw and the Community Forest and to contribute to discussions around local natural resource management.
Scott Kershaw – Director
Ted Brown – Director
Mike Casey – Director
