“Canada is among the best in the world in how we sustainably manage our forests for multiple values. The work of Canada’s foresters is constantly evolving as forest health and the safety of Canadians living in forested communities is increasingly challenged by worsening pest and fire
outbreaks.

This year was Canada’s worst fire season in history. Over 18.4 million hectares burned, which represents nearly 25 times the land base that our foresters sustainably harvest in an entire year.

We saw fires in communities that never experienced them before and tens of thousands of people were evacuated, with Indigenous communities being disproportionately affected by these evacuations.

Six people died, hundreds of Canadians lost their homes, and critical northern and rural infrastructure was put at risk.

We owe a debt of gratitude to the Canadian military, national and international firefighters, first responders, and community volunteers who stepped up. Without them, the losses would have been much greater.

As we emerge from this difficult year, the call to action for more active management of Canada’s forests has never been clearer. Our collective experience underscores the urgency of proactive measures to mitigate wildfire risks, safeguard our people and communities, and protect vital
infrastructure. Through active management of our forests, we can curtail the intensity and frequency of future fires while also supporting ecosystems resilience and rural and northern economies.

Canada’s forest sector and its workers support the importance of global pledges to advance climate action, halt and reverse deforestation and land degradation, and promote sustainable sourcing. These efforts are part of a bigger international dialogue, and Canada must do this work in step with its international partners.

In doing so, we encourage the Government of Canada to ensure the full participation of impacted rightsholders and stakeholders who live, work, and raise their families in our forested communities.

Today’s call by anti-forestry campaigners and fundraisers to restrict forest management is wrong-headed and would make future fire seasons even worse. It would also worsen Canada’s carbon emissions story.

A recent study released by Parks Canada and the Canadian Forest Service indicates that some parks, particularly those impacted by major wildfires, act as net carbon sources. Our rapidly changing climate underscores the urgent need for climate smart forestry interventions including a return to prescribed burns, more active thinning to reduce fuel loads, building more fire breaks around communities and critical infrastructure, and finding more uses and new markets for low-grade wood.”

Today, let’s get to know Robert Moen, general manager of Moen Lumber Sales in Edmonton, Alta.

Robert started his journey into the forest industry at a very young age. He started going with his grandfather to the family-owned lumber and remanufacturing yard every weekend to help with routine maintenance .

At the age of 14, he attended the Alberta Forest Products Association’s lumber grading program. Upon turning 16 and as soon as he got his driver’s license, Robert worked at the family’s mill after school and on weekends, doing everything from feeding the saws, piling lumber, machine maintenance and general repairs to equipment. After high school, Robert got his millwright certification and started working full time at Moen Lumber doing machine maintenance and repairs. As his grandfather transitioned out of the business, Robert took over managing the company.

The 39-year-old says although there has been some changes and challenges in the industry throughout the years – from remanufacturing, building pallets to reloading – he plans on keeping the business going for many many years.

Next week we will showcase the achievements of winner Benjamin Patton.

Lemaire was born in Drummondville, Que., in 1936. In 1960, he joined the family business of waste recovery, Drummond Pulp and Fiber. Four years later, under his impetus, and with the support of his brothers Laurent and Alain, a second life was given to the idled Dominion Paper mill in Kingsey Falls, Que. He then laid the foundation for Cascades.

For nearly 30 years, Lemaire was president of the company, applying his management philosophy based on respect for human resources and initiating an unprecedented expansion strategy. He applied the same recipe to build Boralex, a Quebec flagship in renewable energy.

His brothers Laurent and Alain paid tribute to him: “Bernard was an exceptional man, a larger-than-life character. Visionary, generous and charismatic, he convinced countless people and communities to participate in a huge project, the project of his life: Cascades. His career embodies the emergence of a francophone Quebec that is proud of its roots. Our big brother was a great man. Today, he is a legend.”

“Bernard is the source of the ingenuity and dedication of the 10,000 or so Cascaders,” said Mario Plourde, president and CEO. “It is thanks to him that they are working today in a multinational company that is a role model and whose vision, success and values are praised. He gave the company the momentum that has made it grow and shine for nearly 60 years. His legacy is rich and will live on. On behalf of all Cascades employees, I would like to offer the Lemaire family and Bernard’s loved ones our most sincere condolences.”

Lemaire’s contribution to the business world has been rewarded on many occasions. In 1985, the newspaper Finances awarded him the title of businessman of the year. In 1991, the Association des professionnels en ressources humaines du Québec awarded him the Iris d’honneur for his outstanding contribution to the advancement of human resources management. He has been awarded the insignia of officer of the Order of Canada, officer of the National Order of Quebec, and Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honor, granted by the president of France. He has also received honorary doctorates from the Université de Sherbrooke, the École des Hautes Études Commerciales, the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières and the Université du Québec à Montréal.

Flags on all company buildings will be flown at half-mast and commemorative activities will take place. The public is also invited to visit the company’s digital platforms to pay tribute to him. A virtual guestbook is available on Cascades’ website: cascades.com/en/tribute-great-builder.

You can also show your support by making a donation to the Federation of Quebec Alzheimer Societies.

The BioHub Pilot Project is centred around the transition that the SRJV is now pursuing, changing from the traditional cut-to-length forestry practice to now full-length tree harvesting, moving toward a full tree utilization and zero-waste approach. This is an enormous step in sustainable forestry practices with significant impacts on forestry residue management. A part of this project is bush grinding of the residuals, for which FESBC has provided funding. Through the Bush Grinding project, forest residuals will be ground instead of being left behind and burned in slash piles, helping to reduce waste and avoid greenhouse gas emissions. This ground fibre will be transported to a green energy facility in Merritt. By extending the use of forest residuals, the two companies look to improve the sustainability of forestry practices by being better stewards of the land.

“Projects like this are a significant step towards a stronger and more sustainable B.C. forestry sector, transforming harvest residue that was once considered waste into value,” said Bruce Ralston, minister of forests. “This collaboration between Stuwix Resources Joint Venture and Valley Carriers, with support from FESBC, will also help protect communities from wildfire risks by removing residue from the forest floor, thereby removing wildfire fuel.”

SRJV currently manages the Forest Tenure Opportunity Agreement and the non-replaceable forest licenses on behalf of eight First Nations communities in the Nicola Valley. SRJV’s approach to forest management reflects the cultural, environmental, and social values of these First Nations with a vision to promote healthy ecosystems and communities while integrating traditional uses and practices.

Photo: Stuwix Resources Joint Venture.

Valley Carriers is part of the family-owned and operated Klassen Business Group, which was founded in 1963. They’ve been working with forest residuals for 60 years, and the family of companies produces and distributes both wholesale and retail wood residual-derived products such as mulch and wood shavings.

Together, the organizations exemplify positive collaboration to pursue the common goal of reducing waste and enhancing the utilization of fibre. However, the project was not envisioned in silos, but came about as a result of the community’s desire to see better-managed forests, according to Lindsay Tighe, general manager of SRJV.

“It’s all community-driven. Our community strongly believes we need to better utilize the resources that the forest provides. Without the partnership with FESBC, we wouldn’t be able to pursue the transition to full fibre utilization. Their support is critical to enable our operations to adapt to this more sustainable approach,” said Tighe.

The Bush Grind Project is part of a Biohub Pilot Project, with an overarching vision to eradicate the age-old practice of underutilizing, piling, and burning forestry residuals but instead offer a sustainable alternative, converting these residuals into valuable resources, such as clean energy sources, including biogases, advanced biofuels, and various end-use products. By utilizing the entire resource, the two partners are not only respecting the resource itself and the land it is from, but they hope to increase the wood fibre supply for the agriculture, bioproduct, and bioenergy sectors that depend on the biomass generated by the forestry sector.

Ben Klassen, CEO of Valley Carriers, said, “The funding from FESBC is integral for the pilot project, as it helps minimize the risks to private businesses and enables creativity in creating a more sustainable industry.”

The BioHub Pilot Project is a partnership between SRJV, Valley Carriers, FPInnovations, and with support from FESBC funding, it serves as a symbol of improved forestry management practices, emphasizing complete stem utilization.

FESBC senior manager, Gord Pratt, said, “FESBC is proud to support the initiatives led by Stuwix and Valley Carriers in finding ways to increase the use of forest fibre that has traditionally not been utilized. Exploring new ways to optimize the delivery and use of forest fibre is long overdue and will only help the economy of the Merritt area. Lessons learned here will help other regions of the province and assist in building a more stable and diverse forest industry which is critical for the future of rural B.C.”

 A centralized, sustainable BioHub, capable of handling a broader spectrum of forestry residuals, will help meet the surging demand for wood residuals and biomass. The goal is to create a variety of value-added products for diverse sectors from what was traditionally thought of as wood waste.

“Our BioHub will increase the stream of residuals and help stabilize the supply of wood fibre to support the needs of the agricultural and clean energy sectors. This project is about using every metre of the forest in the most sustainable way,” said Klassen.

Photo: Stuwix Resources Joint Venture.

The benefits of the work are far-reaching and move beyond the environmental benefits. By transitioning to full-stem utilization and establishing the BioHub, SRJV will create eight jobs, and Valley Carriers will create an additional eight positions in Merritt, B.C. during the various phases of the project. Considering the level of unemployment in the area and the need to diversify, Klassen and Tighe agree that these jobs mean a lot to people in the region.

“This funding allows us to grow our operations and create more employment. The business of recovering under-utilized residuals has allowed our company to maintain steady employment for 25-30 people in Merritt for the last six years, and we are looking to grow with further resource utilization,” said Klassen.

For companies and communities wanting to move toward full fibre utilization, Klassen recommends maintaining their focus. “Even after many years doing this work, we are still trying to find a long-term solution that isn’t just made up of stop-gap funding. We’ve been able to do this for the last half-decade by not relenting on the conversation,” he said.

From the creation of new jobs to local access to renewable energy, decreasing the waste of natural resources and increasing the supply of wood fibre to combat the shortage in the agricultural sector, the project has a vision to move beyond traditional forestry. In addition to these benefits, fully recovering the forest residuals will remove excess materials that can fuel wildfires while also reducing  greenhouse gas emissions associated with burning these materials in the forest.

“We know we have less wood available; now we need to focus on how to use it properly. It’s like water restrictions; when they are in place, sustainable practices and real change starts to happen. We need to be the ‘Arizona’ of forestry; the forestry industry is not going away, but it is our time to pivot, focus on efficiencies and fully utilize the resources. Everyone can make a difference in forestry residual management, whether it’s a big or small licensee,” said Klassen, adding, “We don’t see this as the end but the start of something that will transform the industry.”

That week’s price is down by $33, or eight per cent from one month ago when it was $413 mfbm. Compared to the same week last year, when it was $480 mfbm, that week’s price is down by $100, or 21 per cent. Compared to two years ago when it was $630 mfbm, that week’s price is down by $250 or 40 per cent.

In the week ending October 27, the price of Southern Yellow Pine East Side 2×4 #2&Btr KD (RL) was $435 mfbm. This is down by $20, or four per cent from the previous week when it was $455.

That week’s price is down by $80, or 16 per cent from one month ago when it was $515 mfbm. Compared to the same week last year, when it was $465 mfbm, that week’s price is down by $30, or six per cent. Compared to two years ago when it was $735 mfbm, that week’s price is down by $300, or 41 per cent.

Fournier is a seasoned executive with over two decades of hands-on experience in lumber mills in both Eastern and Western Canada.

He grew up in a lumber mill town and studied wood science at Laval University. Additionally, he obtained his master’s degree in business administration from Moncton. He began his career at J.D. Irving as a co-op student and steadily rose up the ranks to become director, lumber mill optimization and new product development. Fournier is well-known for his expertise in manufacturing, quality control and process improvement, with a track record of achieving operational excellence and driving growth through strategic business approaches and employee engagement.

Fournier also has a strong background in the entire forest products value chain, including finance, sales and strategy. Before joining GreenFirst, he served as the vice-president, coastal operations at Western Forest Products. Prior to that, he held the position of chief operating officer at Sinclair Group Forest Products.

Fournier will be a hands-on leader in the lumber mill operations and has committed to be based out of GreenFirst’s offices in Timmins, Ont., which is very close in proximately to all of GreenFirst’s lumber mills.

“We are very excited to have Joel join us. He is a proven leader with decades of experience in lumber mill operations,” said Rivett. “Joel brings his leadership and experience to optimize and grow our business at GreenFirst as we begin a new phase in the maturation of our young, focused and entrepreneurial company.”

• Terrace – Monster Industries Ltd. will receive as much as $466,000 to build a new fabrication facility and purchase a new crane that will help manufacture drying kilns for the forestry industry in B.C., which are essential for the production of value-added wood products, and will create seven new skilled positions;
• 150 Mile House – OT Timber Frames Ltd. will receive as much as $235,000 to scale up the production of pre-fabricated homes and expand product offerings to include insulation components, with expansion of the production facility and addition of two CNC machines. The funds will help create five new positions and maintain year-round employment for current staff;
• 100 Mile House – New Wave Docks Ltd. will receive as much as $300,000 to double manufacturing capacity and provide space to diversify production. This entails the construction of a new 14,000-square-foot steel-engineered building to house a large-scale roto-oven and aluminum fabrication shop in the same facility, and will create as many as 15 new jobs;
• Mackenzie – Conifex Mackenzie Forest Products Inc. will receive as much as $105,000 to optimize production and increase product quality by purchasing new equipment, allowing the company to remain competitive during lumber market fluctuations; and
• Vanderhoof – Bid Group Technologies Ltd. will receive as much as $100,000 to expand manufacturing capacity to keep production in-house instead of outsourcing it and optimize the parts-production process to drive efficiency.

“By empowering innovative ideas and investing in companies that value a clean, sustainable future, we are setting the stage for local economies to flourish,” said Brenda Bailey, minister of jobs, economic development and innovation. “The projects we’re supporting through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF) will create stability for workers and their families throughout the province by keeping good-paying jobs in the communities they call home.”

The BCMJF supports for-profit organizations to plan and launch shovel-ready, high-value industrial and manufacturing projects that bring direct benefits and stable, family-supporting jobs to communities, while driving clean and inclusive growth throughout the province.

“Manufacturing facilities and workers are often the backbones of their communities, especially in rural and remote areas,” said Bruce Ralston, minister of forests. “Investing in the growth of a wood-manufacturing company means investing in a community and its people. These five projects from the BCMJF support the growth of these wood-manufacturing companies making more local high-quality wood products and creating the next generation of forestry jobs.”

Funding through the BCMJF is part of a series of programs the province has introduced to support the growth of value-added manufacturing in B.C. In January 2023, the Ministry of Forests introduced a new value-added manufacturing program to establish a dedicated fibre supply for small and medium-sized manufacturers. The province is working with the value-added manufacturing sector to increase the flow of fibre and find ways to expand local production of high-value wood products. A strong value-added manufacturing industry diversifies the forestry sector, buffering against global market challenges.

This is the fifth centre of excellence launched by the department of education and early childhood development. It is part of the Future New Brunswick initiative, which provides experiential learning opportunities to students prior to graduation. The centre also provides professional development for teachers.

Other partners involved with the centre are the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium, the Construction Association of New Brunswick, the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, McCain Foods, New Brunswick Community College, Malley Industries, Skills Canada NB and Opportunities NB.

“This centre will increase awareness of available career pathways in New Brunswick and will grow our province’s human resource capital to meet the needs of the labour market,” said Bill Hogan, education and early childhood development minister. “We want young New Brunswick talent to stay in our province.”

The centre offers a range of supports and opportunities for students, such as:

• Early engagement with industry through interactive lessons and playful activities.
• Participation in industry networking events.
• Engagement with the New Brunswick Teen Apprenticeship Program.
• Access to specialized training centres and talks from guest speakers.
• Access to engagement days, micro-internships and co-op placements.
• Earning micro-credentials that will contribute to graduation requirements.

“The partnership between New Brunswick’s Centre of Excellence for the Skilled Trades and Manufacturing and the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium is a game-changer for the future of our sector,” said Jean-Pierre Giroux, consortium president. “For our consortiums in New Brunswick, it means a stronger, more prepared workforce right out of school with more responsive educators and employers. It is a win-win, linking education with industry like never before.”

The centre and its partners will support the development of curriculum content and give educators access to online resources to support their work.

“The Construction Association of New Brunswick is proud to be a founding partner of the Centre of Excellence for the Skilled Trades and Manufacturing,” said association vice-president Darren Sutherland. “As the voice of the construction industry in the province, we have been working with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development for over a year to get the centre of excellence off the ground, and we are proud to be a part of the launch today. We want to promote the construction industry to a younger generation of New Brunswickers, and we believe the centre of excellence is a great and exciting avenue to do just that.”

The centre is funded by the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium, the Construction Association of New Brunswick and the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour.

On March 8, 2024 – International Women’s Day – we expect to welcome back hundreds of forestry changemakers who are looking for inspiration and advice on fostering inclusion in our industry and reaping all the innovation that comes from it.

We are looking for speakers to cover the following audience-requested themes, and welcome suggestions as well.

• Indigenous inclusion and leadership in forestry
• Mentorship how-tos and success stories
• Overcoming bias in the workplace
• Effective (and ineffective) workplace or government DEI policies
• International Women’s Day 2024 theme of #InspireInclusion

If you are interested in speaking at our event, or have a speaker to recommend, please send a short proposal to Maria Church: mchurch@annexbusinessmedia.com.

The 2023 Women in Forestry Virtual Summit ­– hosted by Canadian Forest Industries, Pulp & Paper Canada, Canadian Biomass and Opérations Forestières et de Scierie – welcomed more than 800 registrants online. Read about the event here.

The Framework Agreement enables action rooted in recognition of First Nations title and rights to reach B.C. and Canada’s goal of protecting 30 per cent of lands in B.C. by 2030.

To support the commitments in the Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation (the Framework Agreement), the Government of Canada is investing up to $500 million over the life of the Framework Agreement, which matches commitments from the B.C. government. Together, this is one of the most significant nature investment plans in the history of Canada. Support includes a federal investment of $50 million toward the identification and securement of up to13,000 square kilometres of old-growth forest areas, and $104 million from the 2 Billion Trees program that will be specifically focused on the restoration of species at risk habitat, wildfire mitigation and recovery, and watershed health.

The Framework Agreement enables Canada, B.C., and First Nations to jointly identify tangible projects and investments that will help to halt or reverse biodiversity loss and create more resilient landscapes in the face of increasing risk of wildfire, flood and drought. The Framework Agreement commits to advance alignment with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in full collaboration with rights holders in its implementation.

The Framework Agreement will also create opportunities to enable the participation of other levels of government, non-governmental organizations, and industry consistent with the Agreement’s aims.

I will discuss just a couple of essential tools needed today in the filing room. These tools work together to ensure quality and accuracy.

The side dial indicator
Like most precision tools, it has varying designs, different levels of quality and cost, and is produced by multiple manufacturers. Most will perform the task at hand. However, accuracy may be more a factor of the way it is used. This tool measures side clearance and can be used to check both radial (top to bottom) and tangential (front to back) angles. This tool’s accuracy should be checked often by placing it on granite block. The dial indicator’s foot and base must be flat and should always be held properly to obtain accurate measurements.  

The micrometer

The micrometer

A must in the saw filing room. It is used to check kerf and plate thickness. It’s always a good practice to double check with another device anytime it is possible. By using both – the micrometer and side dial indicator – you can be sure you’re getting correct information. The sum of the plate thickness plus side clearance on both sides of the tooth should give you the same number as the micrometer reads when checking kerf. Example: plate thickness .100 + .019 side clearance on one side + .021 on opposite side gives you .140 kerf, which should be the same number when checked with the micrometer. The micrometer can also be used to check radial and tangential angles by measuring to the far side of each and subtracting for total front to back or top to bottom measurements.

Double checking like this can save you time and problems. I have seen filers adjust their side grinding machine over and over when it’s only a bent tooth. And it’s just good practice to get this major step in grinding saw teeth correct. For long-term accuracy, the micrometer should have hardened anvils and come with a checking gauge. All measuring tools should be kept in a safe place to not be banged or dropped. They should be checked for accuracy before each use. I suggest using good, name brand, tools with protective storing cases. Tools that are well cared for should last a long time. Smith Sawmill Service – BID and most major saw manufactures can supply your filing rooms with these precision tools. 

Paul Smith is a saw filing consultant and founder of Smith Sawmill Service, now part of BID Group. You can reach him at paul.smith@bidgroup.ca.

Students will all take a common first year, with some course selection freedom to obtain prerequisites for potential majors, and then have the opportunity to select a major in second year in bioeconomy sciences and technology, conservation, forest management, forest operations, forest sciences, or wood products.

Two new first year courses, led by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars, will introduce students to some of the most wicked environmental problems facing humanity such as climate change, catastrophic fires and floods, resource over-exploitation, food insecurity and poverty, and will show how these sorts of challenges, and others, are truly interdisciplinary needing innovative ecological, social and entrepreneurial solutions. Each major offers a different path for learning how to address these types of issues.

With immersive learning experiences, from field schools and lab work, to co-op opportunities, students will gain practical knowledge and skills that are critical for solving our most pressing natural resource challenges. With a diverse range of majors to choose from, students can explore their interests and find the best program fit for their career goals.

Today, let’s get to know Igor Lafaeff of Winnipeg’s Burrows Lumber.

When Igor immigrated to Canada eight years ago from Brazil, he had no knowledge of the wood industry and could only speak basic English.

“But he came with ambition and a great work ethic, as well as some business skills and an entrepreneurial bent,” says business partner Chris Dirks.

Dirks describes Igor’s journey as a good example of the immigrant success story. Indeed, the 37-year-old’s climb to success is very inspiring, first joining Burrows Lumber as a sales assistant and in no time becoming a proficient lumber trader. In 2022, he became an equal partner in the business.

From a new immigrant who barely spoke English, the co-owner of Burrows Lumber now combines lumber trading with running the company’s day-to-day operations.

In 2023 Igor and his wife became Canadian citizens.

Next week we will showcase the achievements of winner Robert Moen.

That week’s price is down by $39 or nine per cent from one month ago when it was $413 mfbm.

Compared to the same week last year, when it was $445 mfbm, that week’s price is down by $71, or 16 per cent. Compared to two years ago when it was $595 mfbm, that week’s price is down by $221 or 37 per cent.

In the week ending October 20, the price of Southern Yellow Pine East Side 2×4 #2&Btr KD (RL) was $455 mfbm. This is down by $25, or five per cent from the previous week when it was $480.

That week’s price is down by $60, or 12 per cent, from one month ago when it was $515 mfbm.

Compared to the same week last year, when it was US$495 mfbm, that week’s price is down by $40, or eight per cent. Compared to two years ago when it was $680 mfbm, that week’s price is down by $225, or 33 per cent.

The history of the Canadian sawmilling industry has developed quite differently in British Columbia compared to the rest of the country. During much of the period from 2000 to 2016, BC production was close to 50 per cent of Canada’s total output. Following the pine-beetle infestation in the province, harvest levels declined, and the lumber sector was forced to downsize. While sawmills continued to produce about 25 million m3 annually in the eastern provinces to supply the strong US market, production in the west coast province fell from 23 million m3 in 2016 to only 13 million m3 in 2022 (see chart). This downward trend continued in the 1Q/23 when lumber shipments were down 20 per cent y-o-y, while they held steady in the rest of the country.

The outlook for tighter lumber supply in North America could strengthen lumber prices in the US in the second half of 2023 and create opportunities to ramp up sawmill production levels somewhat, particularly in British Columbia. However, there may be constraints in the availability of sawlogs because of limitations in accessing the provincial forests during the fire season.

The U.S. relies on about 30 per cent of imported lumber to meet the country’s wood consumption. Historically, Canadian sawmills have supplied 90-97 per cent of the import volume, but in recent years the flow from Canada has declined because of the reduced production in British Columbia. On the other hand, European sawmills have increased their market shares to about 15 per cent in 2023, up from just a few percent five years ago. With limited opportunities for Canada to increase lumber production, European sawmills will likely remain essential suppliers for the US wood market in the coming decade.

“Forests are essential to a healthy environment and provide good jobs to tens of thousands of British Columbians,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests. “That’s why we’re taking action to strengthen how we steward our natural resources, to better protect the province’s forests and ecosystems, conserve fibre supply and expand our use of prescribed fire to reduce the risk of future wildfires.”

If passed, amendments to the Forest and Range Practices Act, the Forest Act, and the Wildfire Act will help address public and First Nations’ interests in how forests are managed, giving government new tools to manage Crown land timber harvesting. These changes support actions underway to better care for forests in the face of climate change and extreme weather events.

The Forest and Range Practices Act governs how forest and range practices and activities are conducted on B.C.’s public lands. Changes to the act will provide new tools to the Ministry of Forests’ compliance and enforcement team to better enforce natural resource laws in the province. The changes will strengthen the protection of First Nations values and interests and allow for a greater range of contravention penalties, ensuring there are appropriate consequences for non-compliance.

“Protecting the natural resources of this land is vitally important, and those who damage these natural resources should face consequences,” said Lennard Joe, CEO of the B.C. First Nations Forestry Council. “Strengthening the enforcement of these laws will increase the public’s trust by ensuring there are real penalties for those who break the rules. When we all properly act as responsible stewards of our environment, everyone benefits.”

Amendments to the Wildfire Act will give prescribed fire legal standing in B.C.’s forest management tool kit, enabling government to expand work with First Nations and other partners on cultural and prescribed burns, when requested. They will allow for a more concerted effort in the advancement in prescribed burns as a wildfire-mitigation practice.

“Prescribed burning is the planned and controlled application of fire to a specific land area to reduce wildfire risk, and restore ecosystems that need fire to function,” Ralston said. “This change will make it easier for the Province to work with First Nations as partners to return beneficial fire to the landscape as a way to keep communities safe and care for critical ecosystems. It’s one part of a series of actions we’re taking with First Nations to create more resilient future.”

In many B.C. ecosystems, fire is a natural process and First Nations have a long history of using fire as a stewardship tool. Using prescribed fire in cooler weather can reduce the risk of more severe wildfires in hotter seasons.

“First Nations communities in British Columbia have long depended on fire to steward the land,” said Wayne Schnitzler, executive director, First Nations’ Emergency Services Society. “Revitalizing the use of fire magnifies the relationship each First Nation community has with it from a cultural, ceremonial, food and healing perspective. We are very excited to work with the stewards of the land and use fire appropriately.”

Through amendments to the Forest Act, government will have the ability to consider stewardship, cultural heritage resources, and public health and safety when issuing road and cutting permits, ensuring these values are protected as part of development. This includes the ability to obtain additional information or add conditions when issuing permits.

These changes are government’s next step in acting on commitments outlined in the 2021 Modernizing Forest Policy in British Columbia intentions paper, aimed at creating a sustainable, resilient forest ecosystem and supporting a strong and diversified forestry sector.

Designed to serve as an additional mulching resource for a wide range of consumers, the new Drum Mulcher DC Pro is differentiated by its lighter weight of just 1,350 pounds and its 63 CC, two-speed, bent-axis piston motor. Larger than others in its class, this high-torque hydraulic motor allows the DC Pro to spool-up faster and deliver greater force to power through more and larger material.

“The Drum Mulcher DC Pro is more productive than other options in its class based on processing capacity and speed,” explained Dan Stachel, executive vice-president. “Its lighter weight design provides versatility for tackling a variety of common land maintenance tasks from managing overgrowth and maintaining fence lines to creating defensible space. The streamlined profile also affords good operator visibility and maneuverability, while the chassis positions the center of gravity close to the loader for optimal stability – even on steep slopes.”

The DC Pro is engineered with a 50” cutting width to slice through trees and brush and mulch material up to 8” in diameter. The depth control drum features a forward exposure that allows for optimum tree engagement and maximum cut width relative to weight. A rugged chassis guards the motor from ground impact and allows the operator to manipulate downed material and position vegetation for effective mulching. A multi-position push bar features extended serrations for industry-leading material control while the optimized infeed system achieves a complete and high-quality mulch on the first pass, producing an aesthetically desirable chip size and greatly reducing the need for back-dragging and reprocessing.

“This new offering embodies efficiency and allows owners and operators to optimize the utilization of their compact loaders and adapt to different environments without needing to switch equipment,” noted Stachel. “Customers who add this attachment to their arsenal aren’t just getting a new tool; they’re getting a machine that maximizes productivity, minimizes hassle, and sets a new standard for mulching excellence.”

The Drum Mulcher DC Pro comes standard with Diamond’s exclusive twin chisel planer teeth that generate fine mulch quickly and efficiently. The attachment also accommodates other teeth options for tackling different types of terrain, including Twin Maul® Carbide Teeth ideal for use in rough, rocky terrain, and four-point hardened steel teeth well-suited for work in high-production environments.

Like all of Diamond’s drum products, this new attachment is backed by a two-year warranty. Additionally, customers have access to the company’s industry-leading customer service resources, including an experienced team of care experts and a dedicated parts team readily available to address any needs that may arise.

“At Diamond, we’re constantly innovating and enhancing our products and processes to cater more effectively to our customers’ needs,” added Stachel. “We are committed to being the best possible partner, from creating industry-leading attachments that simplify work and enhance productivity to our dedicated customer care experts and the ongoing support we provide.”

Jess Kaknevicius, CEO of Forests Ontario, and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson today announced a joint commitment of over $123 million that will see 31 million trees planted across the country. The Government of Canada will cover 50 percent of project costs through the 2BT program and Forests Ontario will work with corporate partners and donors across the country to contribute to the balance of project costs.

“This is a generational opportunity for organizations and individuals across the country to show their environmental leadership,” Kaknevicius says. “We have the support of the Government of Canada and now we need corporate partners and donors to stand with our planting partners, conservation authorities, Indigenous community partners, municipalities, and community groups and play a vital role in the fight against biodiversity loss and climate change.”

The success of a planting project this size is possible thanks to Forests Ontario’s comprehensive network of experts who collect high-quality seed, grow the seedlings with trusted nurseries, work with local planting partners, and manage survival assessments to improve climate resilience and biodiversity in our natural environments – goals that are in direct alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“Today’s announcement represents a major step toward our goal of planting two billion trees to deliver cleaner air, enhance biodiversity, and advance climate action across Canada,” Wilkinson says. “Forests Ontario’s efforts to plant more than 31 million trees across the country will benefit communities and create good jobs. Collaborative partnerships like the one between Canada and Forests Ontario are producing important results for Canadians and ensuring that the right tree is planted in the right place for the right reasons.”

This announcement builds on the original 2BT program agreement between the Government of Canada and Forests Ontario from November 2022. Over the past 20 years, Forests Ontario has been responsible for planting more than 43 million trees on over 8,000 project sites across Canada – creating approximately 20,500 hectares of new forests.

“Nature is our greatest ally in fighting climate change. Planting more trees is a nature-based climate solution that helps reduce the risk of flooding and wildfires, cleans our air and water, supports biodiversity and sequesters carbon emissions,” Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault says. “It’s also one of our best tools to build thriving, livable cities in Ontario and across Canada.”

Ken Nielsen, general manager of the CCF, explained that 80 per cent of the Lakes Timber Supply Area (LTSA) has pine leading stands, which means that 80 per cent of the LTSA forest is comprised mainly of lodgepole pine, with the remaining 20 per cent comprised of spruce, balsam, and a little bit of fir. This pine-leading stand has been impacted by the mountain pine beetle epidemic, with nearly all the lodgepole pine trees falling over the last two decades which have built up a layer of four to five feet on the forest floor of dead wood—creating a very high risk for extreme fires.

“With all this dead wood on the ground, there is the potential to have a very high degree of fire behaviour, which could transfer to crown fires, where the fire is able to move to the tops of the trees, jumping from one tree to another at a much faster speed, which firefighters from BC Wildfire Services can’t handle. This situation, if pushed by wind, drives fires into communities. There is a need to clean the forest floor of this dead wood, along with pruning and thinning of the forest stand structure, so in the event there is a fire, it remains on the forest floor at a low intensity, and BC Wildfire Services has a better chance to control it,” said Nielsen.

As part of the project, the community forest will be working on three different wildfire risk reduction areas that are prescribed for treatment which will cover roughly 200 hectares next to private property in the community. CCF is also developing prescriptions for Wildfire Risk Reduction treatments on roughly 900 hectares.

“The Forest Enhancement Society of BC plays a huge role as the third-party administrator of funds to help carry out critical wildfire risk reduction work that needs to be done in and around communities. A lot of the work that needs to be done is either hand pruning or thinning, selective logging, and the raking of fine fuels. Because this type of work does not create a source of income to pay for these treatment areas, it is very costly and would not have been possible without FESBC’s support,” said Nielsen.

This project is unique in that the proposed area was identified in the Crown Land Wildfire Risk Reduction Tactical Plan for Burns Lake, Rose Lake, Sheraton, and Highway 16 and developed by the Nadina Natural Resource District. The area gained prominence following the 2018 wildfires, prompting the local ministry staff to pioneer one of the first landscape tactical plan in British Columbia. A landscape tactical plan is a strategic document that assesses and addresses specific hazards and risks within a defined geographic area, such as wildfire threats, insect infestations, or flooding and outlines subsequent actions to manage and mitigate risks.

“Sustainable community forest management is critical to reducing wildfire risk in our province,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests. “The collaborative efforts of Chinook Community Forest and FESBC will not only help build forest health and resiliency but also better protect people in surrounding communities from wildfire risks.”

This past summer, during a period of active wildfires throughout the province of British Columbia, the importance of the Ministry of Forests’ landscape tactical plan became clear when a lightning strike occurred close to the project area. This incident highlighted the unpredictability of lightning strikes, and wildfires emphasizing that they can occur anywhere and at any time.

“This demonstrated that lightning is not biased to where and when it will strike,” said Nielsen. “It further demonstrated the need for more wildfire risk reduction work around communities and backed up the tactical plan developed by the Province in identifying areas of highest threat. While the tactical plan cannot prevent wildfires, it can significantly enhance the preparedness and response capabilities of Chinook First Responders Society, working in tandem with BC Wildfire Service, to effectively combat wildfires.”

Work on the FESBC-funded project, which started back in the spring of 2023 in Southbank around the Indian Bay area, has been progressing well despite occasional interruptions by Mother Nature, according to Nielsen. Through this project, important resources within the community, including the community of Danskin, a local pharmacy, several residences and businesses, the Cheslatta Carrier Nation’s new office, and a Mennonite church, will all benefit from the wildfire risk reduction work.

Gord Pratt, FESBC’s senior manager said, “FESBC is proud and feels lucky to support such a proactive initiative by the Chinook Community Forest to reduce the wildfire risk to many of the communities at a high risk of being impacted by future wildfires on the south side of Francois Lake and the Burns Lake area.”

Moreover, the treatment units not only address high-risk areas but also provide job opportunities for local contractors and First Nations. It also supports maintaining trail systems in and around the area so people can better access areas to recreate and connect with the land. The work will also help with cattle grazing where these areas overlap by providing better access for the cattle and promoting the growth of grass.

Village of Burns Lake Mayor Henry Wiebe appreciated the work being done by CCF and highlighted its significance. “The wildfire risk reduction treatments being carried out by Chinook Community Forest are an important part of forest management. The treated areas increase security against wildfires, create wildlife corridors, and enhance wildlife habitat,” he said.

As a community forest, CCF is diligently balancing various objectives, including addressing local needs, providing compensation, generating employment, enhancing the forest’s natural beauty, and mitigating the ever-present wildfire risk.

It’s unbelievably exciting how the pace at which technology supersedes one another keeps on accelerating. Digital transformation, AI, quantum computing, etc. are changing our day-to-day life and I will probably experience exponentially more technological innovations in my lifetime than my grandfather-in-law did. Despite this, the wood industry has not been a leader of tech integration. There’s huge opportunity to leverage data available to our industry and the time to board the Digital Transformation Rocket is now! Why now? Because we need to innovate or else we’ll fall behind other sectors and countries.

With the current challenges in the forest sector, austerity tends to be at the agenda. The pandemic period with sky-high lumber prices is long gone. Allowable cuts are decreasing in Canada. The unprecedented severity of wildfires across the country is troubling, and labour shortage continues to affect productivity. But history has proven many times that it’s during the hardest times that urgency challenges the status quo and from that, innovation is created. If you’re not already on this path, now is the right moment to fully embrace the digital transition. 

Digital transformation can mean many things. But its biggest value is to use digital tech to harness the constantly increasing amount of data and create actionable insights to optimize and automate in real time the many processes that go into making wood products. The sector has started reporting operational data on business intelligence platforms in the past years, and this is providing a flavour of the value created by leveraging available data. It allows us to see on a weekly basis if we perform well and helps focus our energy on processes that need to be improved. 

Data acquisition and visualization were the first step. Now we need to move to the next phase where data is transformed and portrayed in a way where we can extract promptly actionable information. We also need to increase granularity in the data to near real-time. We all know that time is money and the faster you can be notified of an issue, the faster a remedy can be applied. Digital transformation can definitely mitigate the constraints of labour shortage. It can help reduce the barrier of entry to learning new processes and attract tech-savvy talent. The complexity of a process can be reduced by embedding knowledge (expertise) into monitoring algorithm so instead of having an expert analyze and monitor your diagnostics, the system can monitor and optimize data 24/7, reducing dependence on process experts, allowing newer staff to perform at a good level right from the beginning. It will also allow experienced process experts to optimize their time by having all basic data analytics done automatically and work only on more productive/innovative tasks, and even be available to work on other sites/locations remotely.

Digital transformation offers a unique opportunity to retain knowledge more easily. We all know that it takes many years to become a process expert, sometimes restricted to a certain type of equipment or brand. We also know that this knowledge is not easily transferable when someone leaves for another job or retires. When expertise is digitalized, the company’s performance is less sensitive to worker turnover. And the cherry on top: process knowledge is cumulative after digitalization, so you’ll continue to build and accrue knowledge.

Integrating new technologies can be complex, but there are resources and tools that can help (tech companies, research organizations like FPInnovations, universities, etc.). The more the industry utilizes these resources, the stronger the forestry technology ecosystem will be. In difficult times, it’s time to be bold and to hop onto the Digital Transformation Rocket.

Francis Charette is the president and CEO of Algorex.

Aethera’s 6.78 MHZ and 13.56 MHz generators are over 90 per cent efficient (AC-RF), with no user-serviceable or replaceable parts inside. The generators reduce operational downtime and wasted products. APGs are installed and hard at work in veneer heating systems, finger-joint lines, and beam presses at facilities across North America. Typical installation and initial setup is done without impacting processes.

Seinen was presented with a signed certificate and a $10,000 grant at the 2023 Federation of British Columbia Woodlot Associations AGM on Oct. 28, in Cranbrook, B.C..

“I am pleased to announce that Jon Seinen is this year’s recipient of the Woodlot Management Award,” said Minister of Forests Bruce Ralston. “Jon’s dedication to forest management, youth education programs and his commitment to his community will ensure sustainable forests for future generations.”

Woodlot licensees are small-scale forest managers who strive to take a hands-on approach to natural-resource management. Forest practices are continuously progressing to ensure a high standard of stewardship resulting in sustainably managed woodlots. Each year, the minister of forests recognizes a woodlot licensee that exemplifies excellence in woodlot management.

Seinen stands out as both a leader in the forest industry and in his community. He is president of the Nadina Woodlot Association and a former director of the Federation of British Columbia Woodlot Associations. Outside of work, Seinen gives back to his community through education programs inviting school and youth groups to the woodlot to learn about forestry. Seinen also hands out free seedlings at the end of each tree-planting season, assists with local community-park projects and provides lumber for local barn-enhancement developments.

“The Seinen family has been managing woodlot 126 since 1981,” said Mark Clark, president, Federation of BC Woodlot Associations. “Jon took over the role from his father in 2010 and has worked through the mountain pine beetle epidemic and now through adjacent wildfires. Jon’s story is an excellent example of the hands-on resilience that woodlotters use every day in managing their operations and it demonstrates that the forests are in good hands.”

During the wildfire season, Seinen is an active participant in fire prevention and suppression. He often contracts his equipment to create fire guards and spent several weeks this past summer managing a crew of equipment operators to assist in the suppression of the Peacock Creek fire near Houston.

“The launch of Pro Insider represents our continued dedication to education and advancing the industries we serve,” said Carlos Haddad, vice-president of North America, professional products at Husqvarna Group. “We look forward to hearing from our customers as they engage with this platform, deepen their understanding of our products and best practices for their use, and increase their productivity on the job.”

To foster engagement with the courses, Pro Insider leverages “Watch and Earn.” For every course completed, users earn coins that can be redeemed for merchandise within the Husqvarna store. Each self-paced course is less than five minutes, making it easy for busy professionals to learn on their own schedules from anywhere.

With an aim to offer options for commercial landscapers, tree care professionals, dealers and enthusiasts of all levels, Pro Insider is one of many online educational opportunities that Husqvarna offers including the Chainsaw Academy and Husqvarna University.

Husqvarna Pro Insider can be found at training.husqvarna.com.

The new trade association based in Huntsville, Ont., represents 50 nurseries and over 90 per cent of current Canadian tree seedling production. It aims to increase production, enhance collaboration, drive innovation and promote sustainable practices in the tree nursery sector. CTNA-ACPF was unveiled at the 2023 Atlantic Nursery Conference.

As the value of tree planting and demand for forest restoration continues to grow, so will the demand for native tree seedlings. CTNA-ACPF will play a pivotal role in advancing the efforts of Canadian tree nurseries to meet this demand. Through collective action and sharing best practices, CTNA-ACPF members will ensure the appropriate supply of high-quality tree seedlings to successfully restore our nation’s forests.

“All major growers in the tree seedling sector recognize the need for a unified voice and shared expertise to address our industry’s challenges and opportunities,” stated Mike Downing, board chair.

“CTNA-ACPF will be a collaborative network that pools resources, exchanges knowledge, and advocates for the vital role of tree nurseries in forest restoration programs – including the 2 Billion Tree program.”

CTNA-ACPF members are tree nurseries from coast to coast to coast that each produce over one million seedlings per year for the purpose of forest restoration. Each member has significant expertise and commitment to growing quality seedlings, while supporting local economies through rural jobs and providing planting stock to the forestry sector.

“Countries like Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland continuously demonstrate that responsible governance and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive but, in fact, complementary.

As momentum builds to advance greener construction practices and materials around the world, the House of Commons unanimously backed landmark legislation last month that will secure Canada’s spot alongside global frontrunners at the helm of sustainable progress.

The forest sector has long touted the benefits of new and innovative building materials as a means of reducing our collective carbon footprint. For the past six years, MP Richard Cannings of South Okanagan-West Kootenay, B.C., has determinedly encouraged federal lawmakers to actively consider the merits of wood-based construction materials – and introduced a private members’ bill to that effect.

Finally, in late September, Bill S-222 was passed with a definitive vote of 326-0. This is a clear indication of consensus across Canada’s political spectrum to embrace and promote sustainable building materials like wood.

While concrete and steel sectors will continue to play a significant role, Bill S-222 helps ensure wood gets considered at the front end of building design and procurement decisions – not as an afterthought, but as an equal partner to other building materials.

As a result, we can achieve climate resiliency and a lower carbon footprint by sourcing a sustainable product that is renewable, that Canada has in abundance, and that will support Canadian jobs and promote self-sufficiency for generations to come. With an increasing 10 per cent of Canada’s wood supply now directly managed by Indigenous peoples and communities, there is an opportunity to accelerate economic reconciliation in tandem.

For far too long, Canada’s federal procurement processes have been hamstrung by traditional approaches to construction materials, neglecting the potential of innovative wood products and their capacity to reduce our carbon footprint at large scale. The new lens on procurement decisions for federal infrastructure will create opportunity for Canada’s forest sector and its people while showcasing Canadian innovation to the world.

There are now some 800 mass timber projects in Canada either completed or underway – with hundreds more under consideration or in design development across the country. And Canada isn’t alone in this journey. A year ago, the Biden administration accelerated its Buy Clean agenda which prioritizes the purchase of low-carbon construction materials by the American government.

Aside from the environmental benefits, this development has the potential to play a role in addressing the ongoing housing crisis that has gripped both countries in recent years.

As it stands, Canada needs to build over nine million affordable housing units by 2030 to cater to the increasing demand. Our current trajectory falls significantly short, underlining an imminent and growing crisis. The Canadian forest sector can deliver efficient, cost-effective, and climate-resilient solutions for this housing challenge.

Embracing wood products, especially mass timber, allows for precision manufacturing, modularity, and prefabrication. These features mean faster construction times, and significant savings in labour costs, which is especially vital in addressing housing shortages promptly.

Contrary to certain assumptions, mass timber buildings have also shown excellent resistance to both fires and earthquakes. This means safer housing options in regions prone to such natural disasters.

The unanimous support for Bill S-222 sends a powerful signal – that government leaders recognize the role sustainably-sourced Canadian wood products will play in building greener institutions and communities.

We welcome the government’s timely support for a unified path forward that advances the environmental, social, and economic benefits of sustainable Canadian forestry while affirming Canada’s place alongside nations championing a greener future.

In recognition of Mosaic’s commitment to forestry education and its profound impact on the future of the profession, UBC honoured this partnership by renaming the main lecture theatre in the forest sciences centre the Mosaic Forest Management Lecture Theatre (formerly the Fletcher Challenge Theatre).

In a statement, Mosaic said its contribution “is a testament to their unwavering commitment to fostering the future stewards of our forests. These funds will fuel initiatives aimed at preparing the next generation of forestry professionals by providing hands-on learning opportunities for students, increasing public access, and engaging youth and kids in the natural environment.”

Some of the funds will be allocated to the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest (MKRF) welcome and education centre – a working forest of 5,157 hectares designed to be a facility for research, demonstration, and education in the field of forestry. These funds will go towards facilitating public access to the forest by increasing youth programming at MKRF, allowing youth and students to engage in the kinds of hands-on programming that inspires the next generation and bridges the gap between our communities and the intricate ecosystems that surround us. This commitment will also enable students to gain invaluable, real-world experience through field schools and fieldwork, ensuring that UBC’s Faculty of Forestry remains at the forefront of forest education.

“We are truly grateful to Mosaic Forest Management for their remarkable generosity and dedication to the future of forestry education,” said Dean Rob Kozak of the faculty of forestry at UBC. “This naming will stand as a testament to Mosaic’s commitment to environmental stewardship, community engagement, and innovation in forest management.”

“Mosaic has a long-standing history of support for the faculty of forestry at UBC, and today’s commitment underscores our belief in the importance of science and culture in ensuring forestry continues to be a part of the global solutions we all need right now,” said Rob Gough, Mosaic Forest Management’s president and CEO. “This faculty has delivered and inspired a significant portion of Mosaic’s professionals who work hard every day to make our company a leader in sustainable timberlands management. I expect UBC will continue to do so for years to come.”

“As British Columbians we have a deep and meaningful connection to our forests and UBC is a global leader in sustainable forestry. Mosaic Forest Management takes their responsibility as stewards of their lands very seriously and this contribution will help in training the next generation of leaders and innovators in sustainable forestry.”

At a time when the well-being of our forests faces unprecedented challenges, Mosaic’s steadfast support for UBC’s faculty of forestry marks a pivotal moment in our collective efforts to ensure the longevity of British Columbia’s forests. Future forest leaders, armed with knowledge and practical experience, will play a pivotal role in the sustainable management of British Columbia’s forests. This investment illustrates the power of collaboration between industry and education and underscores the crucial role of such partnerships in safeguarding the future of our forests and the communities that rely on them.

“The B.C. conservation financing mechanism announced today represents a new and innovative B.C.-based approach to maintaining critical ecosystems and other areas of high biodiversity values in the province.

COFI and our member companies look forward to the five new regional landscape planning processes also announced today which will enable government, First Nations, local communities, industry, and other organizations to work together to achieve new long-term approaches to sustainable forest management and conservation.

These last three years have been challenging for the B.C. forest sector since the November 2021 provincial announcement to defer old-growth logging. While temporary, the uncertainty about the future of the deferral areas impacts forest sector jobs and communities across B.C.

Moving forward, strengthened Indigenous and local leadership on land use planning will help ensure goals for forest health, wildfire resiliency and biodiversity are met while also creating more predictability for workers, communities, and forest-related businesses across B.C.

With increasing pressure from wildfires and climate change, it’s more important than ever to take a broad view of the role that both forest management and conservation can play in ensuring forest health and resilience for generations.”

“Conserving nature is one of the most important things we can do to protect against the worst effects of climate change while creating a healthier future for everyone,” said Premier David Eby. “That’s why we’re working with the BC Parks Foundation and First Nations to launch a new tool that will protect old-growth forests and conserve critical habitat across the province for generations to come.”

Conservation financing will ensure that First Nations and the province can conserve critical habitat, better manage for climate change, and further government’s action on protecting more of B.C.’s lands and waters and implementing the Old Growth Strategic Review.

“The new Conservation Financing Mechanism will add further First Nations-led protections for the beautiful lands and waters that are integral to who we are as British Columbians and to First Nations’ culture and way of life,” said Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Nathan Cullen. “We call on other groups and individuals to contribute to this fund, which will help protect the remarkable forests and diverse ecosystems that people, communities and wildlife depend on.”

As part of this unique made-in-B.C. partnership, the BC Parks Foundation will co-ordinate with other philanthropic organizations and use a crowd-sourcing approach so all British Columbians can contribute to the protection of important ecosystems, including old-growth forests. In this way, the $150 million provided by the province will leverage further donations from individuals and the private sector to increase the overall effect of this funding.

Together, this $300 million will be used to fund new conservation measures that are led or supported by First Nations, lasting environmental protection measures, capacity building for First Nations, stewardship and guardian programs, and support for low-carbon economic opportunities.

“Conservation financing is a core tool that can help us to preserve options for the future and to advance our ability to properly manage, maintain and conserve ecosystem health, biodiversity and our oldest and rarest trees,” said Garry Merkel, co-author, Old Growth Strategic Review. “This conservation financing initiative has the necessary resources and Indigenous grounding to help on both of these fronts — preserving options and helping us advance.”

The funds will be managed by the foundation and will be overseen independently from government by a special committee made up of experts, half of whom will be First Nations.

The Conservation Financing Mechanism is one of B.C.’s actions underway to accelerate old-growth protection, as recommended by the Old Growth Strategic Review. It joins new Forest Landscape Planning that is replacing existing forest stewardship plans and establishes clear objectives for the long-term management of old growth, biodiversity, climate change and wildfire risk.

“People in B.C. care deeply for our forests, which is why we are accelerating our actions to protect our oldest and rarest forests for future generations,” said Minister of Forests Bruce Ralston. “We are using the best science and data available, and collaborating with First Nations, local communities and industry to create a stronger, more sustainable forest stewardship. New forest landscape plans reflect the generational shift in forestry, where we can depend on a strong and sustainable industry that also safeguards biodiversity and long-term ecosystem health.”

The locations of five new Forest Landscape Plans have been confirmed in partnership with local First Nations; Bulkley Valley, 100 Mile House, Williams Lake, east-central Vancouver Island and west-central Vancouver Island. These new plans will reflect the ongoing collaboration between the province, First Nations, local communities and forest companies to improve management of forests and certainty for the sector.

Since November 2021, the province has engaged with First Nations about deferring old-growth logging to protect the most at-risk old-growth forests. As a result of significant collaboration between First Nations, the forest industry and the Province, deferrals have now been implemented on approximately 2.4 million hectares of old growth in B.C., including 1.23 million hectares of the most at-risk old growth identified by the Old Growth Technical Advisory Panel.

As recommended in the Old Growth Strategic Review, logging deferrals are a temporary measure to prevent irreversible biodiversity loss, while developing the new, long-term approaches to forest management through Forest Landscape Plans.

Today, let’s get to know Molly Hudson, vice-president, sustainability/chief forester, Mosaic Forest Management in Nanaimo, B.C.

Molly’s passion for forestry was sparked in 2002 when she planted her first tree in northern B.C. After five years of tree planting, the RPF and registered professional biologist realized she could combine her love of science and the outdoors in a forestry career. After working a stint in research at the Ministry of Forests, she reinvented herself as a timber cruiser.

After joining Mosaic’s predecessor TimberWest in 2013, she soon stepped up to apply her experience in science and forestry to stewardship and community work. Her dedication and skills saw her rise in the company, and most recently, she was appointed VP of sustainability and Mosaic’s first female chief forester.

The 39-year-old’s leadership guides Mosaic’s work in forest management certifications, operations, community relations, sustainability initiatives, environmental performance, fish and wildlife management, and the species at risk program. Her work helped Mosaic win the Sustainable Forestry Initiative’s 2023 Leadership in Conservation Award for its early adoption of climate-smart forestry objectives.

Molly is committed to helping change the face of the forest sector so it is a safe, welcoming place for all, where different voices are at the table and are valued.

Next week we will showcase the achievements of winner Igor Lafaeff.

The Province of British Columbia helped to facilitate the partnership through Incremental Treaty Agreements with the Nations, all of whom are in Stage 5 of the British Columbia Treaty Process.

The formation of the partnership and acquisition by the Nations, who are all member First Nations of the Na̲nwak̲olas Council, is subject to various closing conditions, including subdivision and tenure transfer approvals from the British Columbia Ministry of Forests. Western and the Nations are working toward closing the acquisition in the first quarter of 2024.

The partnership will consist of certain assets and liabilities of Western’s Mid Island Forest Operation, including Block 2 of Tree Farm Licence 39. The operations of the new partnership will cover approximately 157,000 hectares of forest land in the territories of the Nations near the communities of Campbell River and Sayward on eastern Vancouver Island. The partnership will manage an allowable annual cut of 904,540 cubic metres of timber, and includes a long-term fibre agreement to support Western’s British Columbia coastal manufacturing operations.

“Tlowitsis, We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum and K’ómoks, who share significant areas of their respective territories, have been stewards of their forests for millenia. Na̲nwak̲olas Council assisted the four Nations in concluding the Agreement. This is a good day for everyone on Vancouver Island and the central coast,” said Dallas Smith, president, Na̲nwak̲olas Council. “For far too long, the very people who are the reason there were healthy, abundant forests here prior to colonization were excluded from participation in their continued sustainable management and any ability to benefit from them. Today, we celebrate a significant step forward on the pathway to sustainable, effective resource management of our forests for the benefit of future generations. I applaud the Nations for taking this step. I acknowledge Western for stepping up into the partnership and thank B.C. for helping make this happen.”

K’ómoks Chief Ken Price, a registered forestry technologist, said: “Negotiations by K’ómoks towards the acquisition of an economically viable forestry operation began in 2021. Historically, our people have always been involved in the forestry industry. This forestry partnership agreement reflects not only a significant and meaningful incremental step forward in our vision for economic well-being as a Nation, but also our vision for a K’ómoks Treaty with the provincial and federal governments. K’ómoks would like to acknowledge Na̲nwak̲olas Council for its support of the Nations during the negotiations process, and our partners Tlowitsis, We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum. As First Nations, we all look forward to taking our rightful place in forestry ownership and management in our territories. The partnership achieves one of the Winning Conditions of reaching a K’ómoks Treaty and K’ómoks has put significant resources into the work that has led up to this point. We thank Western for their work to make the partnership happen and the support for our negotiations over the years from the Government of Canada and from the provincial government.”

Tlowitsis Chief John Smith said: “For Tlowitsis First Nation, this agreement represents a new way forward that is deeply meaningful. The opportunity to be on the ground working on our territories, to provide jobs for our young people, revenue to support our Nation and simply a better way of doing business together, is huge and priceless.”

We Wai Kai Chief Ronnie Chickite said: “We Wai Kai is making significant investments in forestry, including the development and growth of our logging company, Way Key. We appreciate the recognition by Western and British Columbia that we are an integral partner in the forest industry in our territory. This agreement, and the partnership it creates, is an important step forward for our Nation in participating meaningfully in the forest economy and taking back governance over our lands and resources.”

Wei Wai Kum Chief Councillor Christopher Roberts said: “When we speak of reconciliation, here is a living, practical example of reconciliation on the ground. We have raised concerns repeatedly over generations about the immense value and wealth leaving our territory, with little to no benefit to our Nation. We have not been involved at the table in decision-making. Finally, we took a stand four years ago that this must stop. We could not support the replacement of forest licences in our territory that don’t have commitments to address our concerns. But, things are changing. This agreement is proof that it is possible to address multiple interests and generate positive outcomes for all people that call our territory home. Provincial support for this new partnership aligns with the Action Plan on the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. It aligns with our demonstrated ability to take back control of our territories and manage them successfully to ensure a better future for our people. I thank Western for sharing that vision of the future with us and congratulate all of the partners and parties involved. It was hard work but will have lasting positive impacts that will increase for generations to come.”

Premier David Eby said: “The partnership is an excellent example of working together towards reconciliation. Incremental Treaty Agreements build trust and ensure First Nations in the treaty process and the entire community experience benefits sooner. This agreement means opportunities are on the way for business, First Nations members and communities on northern Vancouver Island, proving that a rising tide lifts all boats.”

Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, said: “Tlowitsis, We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum and K’ómoks want to work innovatively and collaboratively with B.C. through the Incremental Treaty Agreements. They also wish to work with Western Forest Products to have a lasting and positive impact on communities in north and central Vancouver Island that depend on the forestry industry. It is essential that these First Nations have a greater role in forestry, to advance their own economic goals and to advance reconciliation.”

Steven Hofer, Western’s president and CEO, said: “Our agreement is another step forward in Western’s ongoing commitment to economic reconciliation and setting a solid foundation that benefits workers, communities and shareholders. Together with our partners, we are ushering in a new era of forestry in this province – one where everyone has the opportunity to fully participate and benefit.”

“Strengthening rural, value-added businesses is critical to helping people live and work in the communities they love,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “That’s why we are supporting companies that add value to B.C. wood so they can continue to provide long-lasting, high-quality jobs for people in communities around B.C.”

As part of the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, nearly $500,000 is being invested into Kootenay businesses to help them innovate for the future. As much as $400,000 will support a capital improvement project by Creston’s J.H. Huscroft Ltd., a value-added speciality manufacturer of glulam, trim, boarding and flooring. The company will purchase and replace equipment that will boost productivity and capacity at its sawmill, protecting 75 jobs and expanding the types of logs that can be processed.

“With our investment into a new sawmill sort line, we will be able to increase our sorting capability by three times to produce a wider range of specialty products and allow us to run multiple species at once,” said Justin Storm, president and general manager, J.H. Huscroft Ltd.

“This will help maintain our current and potentially new specialty-product markets. The funding from the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund will allow us to complete the project in a timelier manner and shows a commitment to the value-added forest-product industry in British Columbia.”

Funding will also support:

• as much as $50,000 for Trail’s KC Recycling’s technical and operational assessment to establish a facility and recycling system to separate materials in large lead acid batteries for recycling and re-use; and
• as much as $40,000 for Trail’s Advanced BioCarbon 3D to examine expansion possibilities and potential new equipment to better process agricultural, forestry and plastic waste to upcycle into higher value products.

The BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund supports for-profit organizations to plan and launch shovel-ready, high-value industrial and manufacturing projects that bring direct benefits and stable, family-supporting jobs to communities while driving clean and inclusive growth throughout the province. Applications for the fund are open and being approved on an ongoing basis.

“Today, we are funding companies that are expanding our industries and finding new ways to get value from our forests and other sectors,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests. “We are modernizing and innovating so that small communities in our province will have more stable economies and good-paying jobs.”

Funding through the BCMJF is part of a series of programs that the province has introduced to support the growth of value-added manufacturing in B.C. In January 2023, the Ministry of Forests introduced a new Value-Added Manufacturing Program to establish a dedicated fibre supply for small and medium-sized manufacturers. The Province is working with the value-added manufacturing sector to increase the flow of fibre and find ways to expand local production of high-value wood products. A strong value-added manufacturing industry diversifies the forestry sector, buffering against global market challenges.

Strengthening rural economies is part of the province’s work through the StrongerBC Economic Plan to build a strong and sustainable economy through clean and inclusive growth. Supporting B.C.’s manufacturing sector helps bring government closer to its goal of building a more innovative economy for businesses and communities throughout B.C.

That week’s price is down by $17, or four per cent, from one month ago when it was US$417 mfbm.
Compared to the same week last year, when it was US$510 mfbm, that week’s price is down by $110, or 22 per cent. Compared to two years ago when it was US$480 mfbm, that week’s price is down by $64 or 13 per cent.

In the week ending September 29, the price of Southern Yellow Pine East Side 2×4 #2&Btr KD (RL) was US$530 mfbm. This is down by $5, or one per cent, from the previous week when it was $535.

That week’s price is down by $108, or 20 per cent, from one month ago when it was US$422 mfbm.
Compared to the same week last year, when it was US$565 mfbm, that week’s price is down by $35, or six per cent. Compared to two years ago when it was US$575 mfbm, that week’s price is down by $45, or eight per cent.