Mosaic Forest Management and Arrowsmith Search and Rescue (ASAR) have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for collaboration on training, rescues and access to Mosaic’s private forest lands between Cook Creek and Lantzville.
The MOU between the two organizations provides important opportunities for training and rescues within ASAR’s response area.
“We are excited to take this important step with Arrowsmith Search and Rescue, to leverage the resources and strengths of both organizations for the benefit of public safety,” said Domenico Iannidinardo, Mosaic’s vice-president, forest and logistics and chief forester.
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Like all B.C. search and rescue groups, ASAR is operated by volunteers who are on-call 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
“The ability to conduct crew training and practise scenarios in the areas where rescues will occur is invaluable,” said ASAR vice-president, Nick Rivers.
“To be certified by Arrowsmith Search and Rescue, volunteers must undergo extensive training in skills including rope rescue, water safety, navigation, overnight survival, and wilderness first aid. We are very pleased to have Mosaic’s support with maps and local knowledge to carry out these important training and rescue initiatives on Mosaic lands.”
The MOU sets the stage for similar agreements between Mosaic and other regional agencies dedicated to public safety and search and rescue.
– NEWS Staff, submitted